The crest and coronet are those of James, 1st Lord Gambier, born in 1756, the distinguished Admiral who, at Lord Howe's victory in 1794, distinguished himself by commanding the first ship to break through the enemy's line. He was in command of the Baltic fleet during the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807, for which service he was created Baron Gambier. At the time of Lord Cochrane's attack on the Grench Fleet in 1809 he was in command of the Channel Fleet and it was said that he but feebly supported his comrade's action, though his conduct was upheld by a court martial called at his won request.

In July 1814 he was appointed First Commissioner at Ghent in charge of the negotiations to conclude a peace with the United States, which was subsequently ratified at Washington on February 17, 1815. It is evident that this tray formed part of his allowance of plate issued to him by the Jewel House for his diplomatic mission.