Yachtsman and Horseman Arthur Curtiss James Desk Set

A brass & white oak desk stand with horse racing theme by H. Greaves (silversmiths) of New Street, Birmingham England. Horseshoe back piece attached to rectangular oak base flanked by a pair of square cut glass inkwells with brass jockey cap hinged covers and central square blotter, 11" x 6 1/2. Presented as a gift to noted yachtsman Arthur Curtiss James circa 1920; James' most prized possession was his barque-rigged 218-foot, 659 ton sail and steam yacht Aloha. The Aloha was one of the largest yachts of its day and large sailing yachts were unusual at that time, as steam had become the preferred means of propulsion. The Aloha was built in 1910 in the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts.