Can anyone help with this crest?

[Richard G]

This crest is on a wooden cyclinder which was owned by my in-laws. Doing some research, I've found the same crest on a number of antique items described as naval 'cordite carriers' or 'Clarkson cases' used for taking charges to naval guns - but in all the examples the crest is described as a 'Royal crest', which it patently is not.

The design shows some similarities to the arms of the city of Plymouth, although there the saltire cross is in green rather than red. Also the central badge being round rather than an escutcheon may suggest a ship's crest.

However, there are a number of inconsistencies that are beginning to make me suggest that the whole thing may just be a made-up decorative item rather than a genuine crest - there's no motto for example, and the 'unicorn' doesn't have a horn.

Is this crest familiar to anyone? Or can anyone confirm that it's not 'pukka'??

Thanks for any insights!

Richard