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Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells and Motto "Ever Thine"

$9,500List Price

About the Item

Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells and Motto "Ever Thine", Barbados, West Indies, Circa 1885 A double sailor's valentine with Spanish Cedar box with two sides. The right side with a central roundel with the words "Ever Thine" in the center surrounded by a circle of large pink shells. The outer band with eight demi-lune panels with beds of shells, the opposing panels with the same colored sea shells. The left side with a star form with beds of different colored sea shells. The backs now with a handing D-ring to hang on the wall (see photo). Valentines do not travel well. If interested talk to me about arranging a car or truck delivery. Dimensions: Open: 18 inches wide x 9 1/4 inches x 1 1/2 inches deep; Closed: 9 inches wide x 9 1/8 inches high x 3 inches deep A sailor's valentine in the collection of Smithsonian Gardens also has the motto "Ever Thine" but on the left side with different shell configuration. Also read an article from the Seaport Museum, New York City, about the story and history of valentines. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A sailors' valentine from circa 1870 A sailor's valentine in the collection of the Mariners Museum. A sailor's valentine is a form of shellcraft, a type of mostly antique souvenir, or sentimental gift made using large numbers of small seashells. These were originally made between 1830 and 1890, and they were designed to be brought home from a sailor's voyage at sea and given to the sailor's loved one or loved ones. Sailor valentines are typically octagonal, glass-fronted, hinged wooden boxes ranging from 8 to 20 inches (20 to 51 cm) in width, displaying intricate symmetrical designs composed entirely of small sea shells of various colors glued onto a backing. Patterns often feature a centerpiece such as a compass rose or a heart design, hence the name, and in some cases the small shells are used to spell out a motto or sentimental message. Although the name seems to suggest that the sailors themselves made these objects, a large number of them originated on the island of Barbados, which was an important seaport during this period. Historians believe that the women on Barbados made the valentines using local shells, or in some cases, using shells imported from Indonesia, and then the finished products were sold to the sailors. In his book Sailors' Valentines, John Fondas concludes that the primary source for sailor's valentines was the New Curiosity Shop, located in McGregor Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, a popular shop where sailors would purchase souvenirs. The shop was owned by the English brothers B.H. and George Belgrave. Fondas recounts that while an antique sailor's valentine was being repaired and reconstructed, pieces of a Barbados newspaper were found inside the backing material. See: Fondas, John (2002). Sailors' Valentines. New York: Rizzoli. ISBN 9780847824144. Frank, Stuart M. (2004). "Sailors' Valentines". In Wertkin, Gerard C. (ed.). Encyclopedia of American Folk Art. New York, NY: Routledge. p. 447. ISBN 9780415929868. Norma Faria, "Scrimshaw Art in Bequia", Caribbean Compass, March 1998 Madeira, Grace L.; Miller, Marshall; Page, Mary S.; Schutt, Ann T. (2006). Sailors' Valentines: Their Journey Through Time. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 9780764323782. (Ref: NY10449-ikrr)

Dimensions:
Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Shell
Place of Origin:
Barbados
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1880
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Downingtown, PA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU861038502892

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