S.S. Himalaya - Souvenir Ships Badge

Nice little ships souvenir badge for The S.S. HIMALAYA....measures 1" in diameter...stamped 'Made in England'...looks to be pressed copper. Himalaya was British passenger ship of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, launched in 1948, which operated mainly between Britain and Australia. She was withdrawn from service in 1974 and scrapped the next year. Himalaya was built at Barrow-in-Furness by Vickers-Armstrongs and launched 5 October 1948. She had an identical hull and machinery to Orient Lines' Orcades though differing in superstructure and internal layout. She began her service on the Tilbury-Bombay-Australia route in 1949 following her departure from the shipbuilding yard in August. During her commission Himalaya underwent a number of improvements the first of which was, although controversial at the time, a funnel cowl to keep the liner's decks clear of debris without interference to the boilers. Following the sale of the Strath Class liners by P&O Himalaya (along with Orcades) was converted to allow the transportation of tourist class passengers only.