Bronze Naval Combat insignia SAS Simon van der Stel

Militaria – Solid bronze naval officer’s insignia – South African Navy combat badge (tompion) dating from the mid-20th century (Cold War) from the destroyer SAS Simon van der Stel (1953–1972) – formerly the British destroyer Ex-HMS Whelp (Second World War)

DESCRIPTION
Exceptional official solid bronze battle plaque (gun port cover / bulkhead metope) from the South African Navy, belonging to the W-class combat destroyer SAS Simon van der Stel (D237), in service between 1953 and 1972. This structural heraldic piece was intended to be mounted on the ship’s superstructure (on the bridge or command bulkheads) or used as a gun muzzle cover to protect the artillery muzzles from marine corrosion.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: The SAS Simon van der Stel has a glorious military history and is of great interest to Commonwealth collectors.

Technical Details and Condition:

Type: Official ship’s bulkhead badge (Crest) produced at the workshops of the Simon’s Town Naval Dockyard (Cape Town) to withstand service at sea.

Vessel: SAS Simon van der Stel (Pennant number: D237). Formerly HMS Whelp (R37) of the British Royal Navy. Military Force: South African Navy (Suid-Afrikaanse Vloot).

Material: Heavy solid cast bronze.

Dimensions and weight: Total height: 22 cm. Shield diameter: 17 cm. Maximum width including crown projections: 19 cm. Weight: approx. 2400 g

Heraldic design: Detailed upper naval crown, scroll bearing the ship’s name and the central three-towered coat of arms of the Van der Stel family, all framed by the traditional braided sailor’s cord.

Patina and Authenticity: Excellent vintage condition. It retains a noble and genuine patina with natural build-up of green rust and traces of saltpetre corrosion on the reliefs and the reverse, evidence of its provenance and active service on board, guaranteeing its authenticity and use in naval environments

Reverse: Its unfinished reverse side confirms that this is an original, heavy-duty official cast piece from the mid-20th century that was exposed to a real marine environment. It features the two original attachment points on the reverse: two functional through-holes for mounting or display are clearly visible.

A museum piece for collectors of items relating to the Commonwealth navy and the South African Defence Force.

** Please examine the attached photographs carefully, as the images form an integral part of the description.**