A massive silver, silver-gilt and rock crystal centrepiece, comprising a cruciform marble base on which sit two double-tailed mermen, supporting two ovoid, shell-like bowls terminating in grotesque animal heads, and two patinated cast stauettes of Britannia and St George, who holds a dragon's head. In the centre is a rock-crystal sphere, mounted with iridescent shell, on which is seated a double-tailed mermaid supporting a third, smaller, shell-like bowl surmounted by a standing figure of Victory.

The centrepiece was commissioned by the Officers of the Combined Military Forces as a gift for Queen Victoria on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 1887. It was delivered in May 1890. Gilbert described it 'the supremest effort of my life'. The design was intended to reflect the 'Realm of Britannia'. The centrepiece was displayed in 1890 at the Chelsea Hospital where it received huge praise.