Items Similar to Early Large Sailor's Valentine in Ebonized Case, circa 1920
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Early Large Sailor's Valentine in Ebonized Case, circa 1920
$4,200
£3,170.67
€3,659.35
CA$5,926.30
A$6,603.87
CHF 3,438.74
MX$79,699.24
NOK 43,112.61
SEK 40,735.87
DKK 27,315.61
About the Item
Antique Large Sailor's Valentine in Ebonized Case, circa 1920, a hand-crafted shell collage with hear and rosebuds pattern set in a large ebonized octagonal shadowbox, wired on the reverse for hanging.
The valentine and case remain in very good condition, though there is a crack to the glass near one of the edges.
Victorians in the Age of Exploration and its accompanying Eclectic Movement embraced arts and crafts from around the world. Shell boxes are frequently seen, and even the odd shell diorama, shell constructed flower basket or bowl, or even a shell adorned piece of furniture. Much more elaborate and sophisticated, and prized, are the elaborate pictures made of various seashells mounted in a frame which became known as Sailor’s Valentines.
Originally made between 1830 and 1890, these “valentines” are composed of hundreds of small sea shells of various colors glued onto a backing in intricate symmetrical designs which often feature a centerpiece such as a compass rose or a heart, or a motto or sentimental message such as Love, Forget Me Not or Home Again spelt out in shells; the valentines are typically mounted in octagonal glazed cases varying from 8 to 20 inches in diameter, often hinged together as double cases.
These delightful pictures were brought home by sailor's from a voyage at sea and given as presents to loved ones. It is easy to see how these gifts with their hearts and sentiments became known as “sailor’s valentines,” but the name is very misleading. Long presented and cherished as a sailor’s folk art, at least by dealers and collectors through the 20th Century, that myth was corrected by an article in the magazine Antiques in 1961, and most people now realize that these were not made by the sailors themselves but were purchased as souvenirs in the Caribbean and brought home by sailors as presents.
Most, if not all, of these objects were made on the island of Barbados, which was a very important seaport during this period. The main source for these shell pictures was the New Curiosity Shop, located in McGregor Street in Bridgetown, a popular shop where sailors would purchase souvenirs. It appears that the shop employed a large number of Barbadian women to make the valentines using local shells such as Barbados Keyhole Limpets and Rugose Slit Limpets ( both Fissurella barbadensis), the pelagic sea snails Janthinas (J. spp), and King Venus Clams (Lirophora paphia); none of these shells are from endangered species. Interestingly, the island women had a long tradition of creating beautiful designs from their local seashells, noted by visitors as far back as 1750. It is generally believed that the inspiration for the octagonal cases came from ship’s compass boxes.
Today, antique sailor's valentines remain highly prized and are eagerly sought. They are valued for their beauty and intricate construction, as well as their nautical connotation. Original pieces are scarce and command a high price, so collector interest has also sparked a resurgence in sailor's valentines as a contemporary folk art.
Measures: 14 in H x 13-7/8 in W
- Dimensions:Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 13.88 in (35.26 cm)Depth: 1.63 in (4.15 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1920
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Nantucket, MA
- Reference Number:Seller: AD - 297-25 WVIL1stDibs: LU903946360562
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
1stDibs seller since 2010
272 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Nantucket, MA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All19th Century Large Sailor's Valentine in Mahogany Case, circa 1880
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Large Sailor's Valentine in Mahogany Case, circa 1880, a hand-crafted shell collage with heart and rosebuds pattern within an eight-pointed star, set in a large mahogany octa...
Category
Antique 1880s Bajan Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
19th Century Double Sailor's Valentine
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, circa 1880, a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with a clasp and a chain for hanging. This valentine features a heart and the message "Forget Me Not."
The valentine is in great condition, but does of course have a few shells that have come loose over the past century and a half. The cases remain in great condition as well.
Each Measures: 9-1/8 in H x 9-1/8 in W
Victorians in the Age of Exploration and its accompanying Eclectic Movement embraced arts and crafts from around the world. Shell boxes are frequently seen, and even the odd shell diorama...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Bajan Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Mahogany
Double Sailor's Valentine "Forget Me Not" Signed and Dated "Barbados, 1915"
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, Signed and Dated "Barbados, 1915," a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with...
Category
Vintage 1910s Bajan Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Mahogany
19th Century Sailor's Woolie with Ship at Anchor Within Oval Cartouche, ca 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Ship at Anchor Within Oval Cartouche, ca 1850, depicting a square-rigged single decker warship under furled sails, anchor chain leading off...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Sailor's Folk Art Woolie of a Single Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Woolie of a Single Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850, a sailor's folk art woolwork picture handcrafted of woolen yarn in a bold variety of stitches, depic...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Ship of the Line and Sloop, ca 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line and Sloop, ca 1850, depicting a starboard side view of a majestic square-rigged...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
You May Also Like
Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells with Heart and Star Designs
Located in Downingtown, PA
Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells,
Barbados, West Indies,
Circa 1885
A double sailor's valentine with Spanish Cedar box with two sides. The right side is centered with a heart within within a ring of pink shells with beds of different colored sea shells at the border The left side has a star in the center and also with a circular ring of shells with alternating panels around the border
Dimensions: Open: 18 1/2 inches wide x 9 inches x1 1/2 inches deep; Closed: 9 inches wide x 9 inches high x 3 inches deep
See an article from the Seaport Museum, New York City, about the story and history of valentines.
From Wikipedia
A sailor's valentine is a form of shellcraft, a type of mostly antique souvenir...
Category
Antique 1880s Bajan Folk Art Decorative Art
Materials
Shell
Antique British Colonial Heart Form Sailors Valentine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming 19th Century English heart form sailors valentine ambitiously handcrafted with exotic seashells around a sailboat image as seen through a glass lens.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English British Colonial Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
Vintage Sailors Valentine
By Authentic Models
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty vintage sailors valentine handcrafted with exotic organic seashells ambitiously composed with a heart and flowers inside geometric borders. Presen...
Category
20th Century American Romantic Shadow Boxes
Materials
Shell
Vintage Sailors Valentine
By Authentic Models
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage sailors valentine handcrafted in exotic organic seashells ambitiously composed with a flower as a center medallion inside several arranged floral borders. Presented ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Shadow Boxes
Materials
Shell
20th Century Extra Large Shellwork Sailors Valentine Panel Folk Art
Located in Lowestoft, GB
An extra large shellwork display/panel, worked in a variety of specimens, heightened with watercolour and arranged with a star to the centre surrounded by floral blooms, housed in an...
Category
Late 20th Century English Taxidermy
Materials
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Vintage Sailors Valentines Style Sea Shell Encrusted Frame
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage handmade sea shell encrusted frame in sailors Valentines style with vintage Australian stamps from First Fleet. Great coastal decoration.
Category
Vintage 1960s American American Classical Picture Frames
Materials
Shell
