A modern presentation silver Armada dish

A modern presentation silver Armada dish,

by Asprey Plc, London 1997,

circular form, inscribed 'To Jimmy Benson with deep appreciation and affection from your Trustees American Associates of The Royal Academy Trust,' and with the names of the Trustees including David Hockney and Alfred Taubman, diameter 34.4cm, approx. weight 47.5oz.

Sold on behalf of the Executors, The Estate of James 'Jimmy' Benson deceased.

James "Jimmy" Benson (1925-2018) had two completely different distinguished careers: the first during World War II as a 'charioteer' and submariner; and the second from the 1960s in advertising at Oglivy & Mather International, where he oversaw many successful campaigns including Rolls Royce, Shell and Schweppes.

In 1953, drawing on his war-time experiences, he co-wrote with his fellow submariner C E T Warren 'Above Us the Waves', which chronicled the attacks undertaken by the chariots and midget submarines on the German battleship 'Tirpitz' in the fjords of Norway. The book proved to be highly successful, and in 1955 turned into a film of the same name starring John Mills and Donald Sinden.