KING OF HAWAII Armorial Plate IOLANI PALACE

A superb 19th Century Paris armorial  plate, made for the King of Hawaii.
His Iolani Palace State Service. King Kalakaua reigned from 1874-1891.
Completed in 1882, at a cost of $340,000, the palace replaced an earlier
grand wooden house.
 
Perfect condition, minute wear.
 
 
Captain Cook was the first European to explore 
the islands, naming them the Sandwich Islands after his sponsor.
He famously met an early death there in 1779 when he mistakenly returned
during the 'The God of War' calendar. Relations with the British were
encouraged by the Royal Family, who asked for British protection. The Union
Jack was even incorporated into the Hawaiian flag.  British influence declined
after the demise of the Royal Family in 1893.
 
Photo credit:Wikipedia, Public Domain.
Unknown author, circa 1885.