Can anybody identify this 1940 dated brass bowl?

[karkee]

Amazing detective work Upspirits!! I'm very impressed!


Now I'm prepared for my next dinner at the captain's table! Lol

[big ned]

Karkee - Have the answer to your mystery bowl. There is currently one for sale on Ebay, but a later model, 1950 something, but again MMS. In the early 1950's, the RN stamped 'Vocabulary Numbers' into most of their equipment - an early Stores ID number.
The bowl currently for sale has a Vocab Number 52105.
I have a copy of the 1951 Naval Victualling Manual - BR93.
It lists Vocab Number 52105 as 'Bowl, Finger, Brass' - ( in true military style ).
These were issued to officers messes only! ( Wardrooms ).

The bowl you have, MMS1940, was a finger bowl in an RN wardroom during the war years!

Upspirits!

Maybe for cleaning their fingers after a breakfast of "Spithead Pheasant" or..........