*British, 1950s–1970s, Royal Navy HMS Albion Group – Porthole, Crest & Associated Material (7)*
An impressive Cold War naval relic – a genuine porthole from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Albion (R07), is offered together with her crest, certificates, photographs, and associated memorabilia. This rare and well-presented collection is directly linked to one of the Navy’s last light fleet carriers, spanning Albion’s service career from her first commission in 1955 through to her later years as a commando carrier.
The Porthole: A large and heavy bronze ship’s porthole, diameter approx. 55cm, depth 12cm including dog-screws, stamped 837D and numbered 26. It retains full glazing, hinges, and securing dogs. A fitted brass plate reads Porthole from H.M.S. Albion. The porthole has been adapted as a display frame with a mounted black-and-white photograph of Albion at sea, her flight deck crowded with aircraft. Authentic fittings such as this are rarely offered, particularly from Cold War fleet carriers, making this the centrepiece of the group.
The Crest Shield: A wooden wardroom/presentation crest (15 × 18cm) bearing the badge of HMS Albion: a golden trident rising from the sea, against a blue background, motto Fortiter, Fideliter, Feliciter (“Bravely, Faithfully, Happily”). These plaques were produced for use aboard ship, in wardrooms, or for presentation to officers and affiliates, and remain highly collectible.
Neptune “Crossing the Line” Certificate: A framed “Crossing the Line” certificate (28.5 × 40.4cm), issued aboard Albion in April 1956, during her first commission deployment East of Suez. The traditional Equator-crossing ceremony is one of the Navy’s oldest rites of passage, with sailors initiated as “Shellbacks” under the watch of King Neptune. Certificates were retained as personal souvenirs, and examples directly tied to Albion’s maiden cruise are rare survivals.
Aircraft Montage: A framed black-and-white composite (22.8 × 31.5cm) showing Albion’s embarked aircraft types: the Douglas Skyraider AEW, Fairey Gannet, de Havilland Sea Venom, and North American Harvard trainer. This is an important contextual item: these aircraft formed Albion’s early air group during her 1950s fixed-wing operations, making the montage a direct reflection of her flight deck in service.
Framed Profile Print (RO7/Z): A souvenir framed print (27 × 22cm) titled “HMS Albion – RO7/Z, Royal Navy Light Fleet Carrier”, recording her first commission East of Suez (July 1955–May 1956). The text notes her 1947 launch, 1954 completion, early years as a fixed-wing carrier, and later 1962 conversion into a Commando Carrier. Such prints were produced in small runs for crew and visitors, and remain desirable as official shipboard souvenirs.
Photograph in Clip-frame: A large photograph (29.8 × 21.2cm) showing HMS Albion at anchor, Union Jack and White Ensign flying, with her flight deck crowded with aircraft. This is a strong period image that complements the porthole and crest, ideal for display alongside the larger artefacts.
Newspaper Article – “Rescued by Royalty”: An illustrated newspaper feature recounting Prince Philip’s role in an air-sea rescue as a young naval officer. While not specific to Albion, the article provides context on Royal Navy carrier operations and was likely retained by an Albion veteran.
Historical Note: HMS Albion (R07) was a 22,000-ton Centaur-class light fleet carrier. Laid down in 1944 and launched in 1947, she commissioned in 1954 and immediately took part in Cold War deployments East of Suez and to the Mediterranean. She played an active role in the 1956 Suez Crisis, embarking fixed-wing aircraft such as the Skyraider, Gannet, and Sea Venom. In 1962 she was converted to a Commando Carrier, operating helicopters and Royal Marines, serving in the Far East until 1973. Albion was towed from Portsmouth to Faslane for scrapping in October that year.
This group collectively illustrates both Albion’s operational service and her ceremonial traditions, from heavy fittings like the porthole to lighthearted Neptune rites, flight-deck aircraft, and presentation plaques.
*Condition*
- Porthole: retains its bronze frame, hinges, and two dog-screws. Surface patina and wear consistent with service and age. Inner display photo has tears/creases and is taped to the reverse. Glass intact. - Crest shield: good condition with only minor wear. - Framed Neptune certificate: paper good, frames distressed - Aircraft montage & photographs: some fading and edge wear; frame with losses and breaks. - Newspaper: folded and handled, age-toned.
Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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