Shell Nautical Objects

Double Sailor's Valentine with Large Anchor, Barbados Barbados, West Indies, Circa 1885 The double sailor's valentine from Barbados is formed within two hinged octagonal mahogany cases with the original loop clasp to the side. On the right side is a central oval design with the charming motto, "Forget Me Not" and on the left side a central heart shape all formed by different shells. Dimensions: 18 1/4 inches wide x 9 1/8 inches high x 2 3/4 inches deep (closed) Each side 9 1/8 inches x 9 1/8 inches x 1 1/4 inches deep open Reference: Sailors’ Valentines originated in the mid-1800s. The majority of Sailors’ Valentines came from the West Indies Island of Barbados, a Port of Call for American and English ships1. Sailors would buy or trade items for these nautical tokens as romantic gifts to take home to their loved ones during their long voyages at sea. Although Sailors’ valentines were made as early as the 1750s, they did not become popular until 1830s. The sailors’ valentine craze lasted until 1890, albeit some examples were made into the early 20th century. Sailors’ valentines are a form of shell craft, 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 These were originally made between 1830 and 1890, and they were designed to be brought home from a sailor’s voyage at sea and given to the sailor’s loved...

Antique Edwardian Folk Art Sea Shell Decorated Wooden Stand, circa 1920, having a variety of North American periwinkles, moon snails, oysters, etc. ...

A wonderful small seashell encrusted box. The lid removes to reveal a dark wood interior. A compliment to many settings from a decorative pieces on a cocktail table to a place to sto...

A marine Wunderkammer collection of two sea urchins and a melo shell eloquently mounted on turned and lacquered antique wood bases. Approximate height: 12,...

Antique red cat sailor's Valentine, Probably American, Circa 1880-1920 The remarkable sailor's valentine is of square form with a dense pattern of sea she...

West Indian Sailor's Valentine, Circa 1880 The large single sailor's valentine is composed of a variety of shells in concentric and geometric patterns, centered with a pink peony enclosed within a pointed star within an octagonal stained wood frame. Dimensions: 13.86 inches wide x 13.82 inches (35.2cm wide, 35.1cm high) The sailor's valentine A sailor's valentine is made of one, or, more often, a hinged pair of octagonal wooden display cases lined with fabric. Small shells, seeds, or other materials are glued to the fabric, usually forming a colorful design. The name "sailor's valentine" comes from the fact that there is usually a sentimental phrase, such as "Forget Me Not," "With Love," or other sayings that we use on Valentine's Day. The shape is thought to come from old compass cases carried aboard sailing ships. Seashell collecting became popular by the early 1800s, especially in England and America. By the mid-1800s, sea shells were brought back from the Caribbean to Europe and America for use in home display cases. This interest in shell collecting may have later inspired the idea of the sailor's valentine, and the intricate shell display cases influenced the busy designs of these affordable souvenirs of sea voyages. Research has discounted the long-held belief that these were made by sailors themselves as a shipboard diversion. Several facts point to the West Indies...

British Sailor's Woolwork with Maker’s Name, ” Walter Stannard” & Dated 1865. The sailor's woolie depicts a ship within a life preserver ring with "Walter Stannard 1865" sown on the ring itself. The preserver is surmounted by various flags including the Turkish flag...

These are two medium-sized Gigas clam shells that are in overall very good condition. The shells are highly decorative and perfectly suited to a nautical-themed home, summer cottage or boho interior. The shells are wonderful eye-catchers, especially suited for an entry table to serve as a catch-all for keys or bathroom vanity accessories...

Sailor's Double Seashell Valentine The double sailor's valentine of seashells within the hexagonal mahogany hinged box, each side with a different geometric design with different ...

Large Sailor's Valentine with Seashells, Barbados, West Indies, Circa 1885 The West Indian sailor’s valentine is of typical octagonal form with a glazed wood case with a compa...

Sailor's double shell valentine, Barbados, West Indies The West Indian sailor's valentine is of typical octagonal shape with two sides, hinged in ...

Caribbean mahogany table with sailor's valentine top, circa 1840 The Victorian mahogany table with a central column with a shaped square foote...