The earliest large-scale production of maritime commemoratives celebrated Admiral Edward Vernon's victory at Porto Bello in 1739. To counter Spanish interference in British trade to the West Indies, Vernon was sent to Porto Bello in Panama with six ships and succeeded in capturing the Spanish base. A range of souvenirs was produced, all bearing the likeness of Vernon or a view of the captured town.

This rare delfware plate is hand painted in blue with a view of the harbour and fort at Porto Bello. The border is decorated with four naval guns mounted on wooden carriages bearing the royal cipher 'GR'.