An unusual British maritime commemorative folding occasional table, made circa 1930 from reclaimed teak taken from HMS Ganges following the breaking up of the vessel at Plymouth.

The circular top is constructed from richly figured teak and supported on a folding base with four turned and spiral-twist legs, joined by stretchers. The folding construction allows the table to be stored flat when not in use.

The underside retains its original brass provenance plaque inscribed:

“H.M.S. Ganges
Later Tenedos III, Indus V & Impregnable III
Built at Bombay 1821
Broken up at Plymouth 1930
The last sailing-ship to serve as sea going flagship”

HMS Ganges was an 84-gun second-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built of teak at the Bombay Dockyard and launched in 1821. Constructed under the celebrated Wadia family of shipbuilders, she enjoyed an exceptionally long career, later serving under the names Tenedos III, Indus V and Impregnable III. Following more than a century of service and subsequent stationary roles, she was finally broken up at Plymouth in 1930.

The exceptionally durable teak recovered during her dismantling was subsequently fashioned into furniture and smaller commemorative objects. Pieces retaining their original HMS Ganges plaques are particularly evocative examples of British maritime memorabilia, combining decorative furniture with timber from an identifiable 19th-century Royal Navy vessel.

Condition: in good antique condition with general wear, marks and surface variation consistent with age and use. The reclaimed teak displays an attractive deep colour and well-developed patina, with expected wear to the folding frame and fittings. Please refer to photographs.

Dimensions: 105cm high, 60cm wide, 5cm deep (folded); 72cm high, 60cm diameter (open)