A silver Mayflower model on display, Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Ave, London (1920)

Mementoes of the Mayflower were popular around the time of the tercentenary in 1920, but the silver model of the ship that went on display in the aptly named “Pilgrims’ Room” of London’s Hotel Victoria was unique. Far from being just a decorative emblem of the Mayflower’s contemporary significance, the silver model was in fact a small piece of diplomatic history. It had been commissioned by the Corporation of Plymouth as a gift for the late American Ambassador, Walter Hines Page (1855-1918) as part of the city's celebrations. Page had been granted the Freedom of the City in 1918, and the silver Mayflower was an elaborate holder for the honour. After going on display in Plymouth, the model travelled to London, and would soon be on its way to America. The model was said to be “complete in every detail, even to the method of tying tiny knots in the silver ropes”.