Steel Nautical Objects

Toy Noah’s Arks for children to play with were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Germany was very prolific in their production. This particular ark is all ori...

Shells of the Sea, Stones of the Past: Edwardian Shellwork Anchor Diorama ⚓ ________________________________________ This is a wonderful and highly symbolic Edwardian Shellwork Diora...

Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama 🐚 ________________________________________ This is a charming and historically evocative Edwardian Shellwork Diorama, a clas...

A natural hand-crafted sea shell encrusted anchor wall hanging. Created from wood, this piece is in the shape of a boat anchor, and features applied natural sea shells of all colors....

Iron and Thread: A Sailor's Vision of the Ram-Bow Era This striking 19th-century sailor’s woolwork, or "woolie," captures the essence of a rapidly modernizing Royal Navy, depicting a warship whose very design speaks to an era of dramatic technological change. Crafted with painstaking detail from colored yarns, this textile artwork is a superb example of the folk art traditionally made by British sailors during their long hours at sea , between journeys or in retirement. Dimensions: 19 inches high x 18 1/8 inches wide x 2 inches deep. Historical Context: The Dawn of the Ironclads The vessel illustrated is a powerful, sail-assisted steam warship, but what makes her distinctive is the pronounced, jutting ram-bow visible at her waterline. This feature was a direct consequence of the rise of ironclad warships in the mid-19th century, following the tactical use of ramming during the American Civil War and the Austro-Italian War. The ram-bow was incorporated into new British warship designs from the 1860s onward, turning the bow itself into a formidable weapon. Dating to circa 1880, this woolie belongs to a period when the Royal Navy was building large, powerful capital ships—the very ships that carried the ram. The ship is accurately shown flying the White Ensign, the distinguishing flag of a commissioned Royal Navy warship, and a long white masthead pennant, confirming her status as a vessel in active commission. The simple, bold execution of the ship, set against a classic background of sea and segmented land, creates a work of remarkable visual strength. A Unique Square Presentation The woolwork is notable for its unusual and attractive near-square format, offering a distinct aesthetic among nautical woolies...

This stunning handcrafted model represents the H.M.S. Bounty, a historic ship famously launched in 1787. The replica is meticulously crafted from walnut, showcasing incredible attention to detail and the artistry of traditional shipbuilding techniques. The wooden hull is smooth and polished, with planking and fittings that echo the original design of the Bounty, emphasizing authenticity. The rigging is finely executed with taut strings that replicate the intricate web of lines and pulleys used on the actual vessel. The sails are made from aged fabric, adding a realistic touch and evoking the feel of a ship caught in the winds of a historic voyage. The figurehead, carved at the prow, demonstrates the ship’s decorative flair, typical of vessels from the late 18th century. The deck is replete with intricate details, such as capstans, gratings, and cannons, providing insight into the functional elements of the Bounty. A small plaque engraved with “H.M.S Bounty 1787” confirms the ship’s identity, linking this model to its historical roots. The H.M.S. Bounty was famously associated with the Mutiny...

Large elegant wooden pond yacht ship model in maple and mahogany. High quality, hand-built. Deck fitted with small screws. Denmark 1920-1930....

Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship Coming into Port, Circa 1865 The British sailor's woolwork has a dramatic view of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship coming i...

19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...

Antique ship's wheel dining table from Nantucket Island, made by the renowned Scrimshaw artist Nancy Chase (1931-2016). Nancy bought this Late 19th Century Ship's Wheel from an antiq...

A naive Folk Art ship model in carved wood with fabric sails and elaborate rigging, American, circa 1900.

Vintage handmade boat model diorama of the "Sovereign of the Seas" a three masted schooner, displayed in its original case. Originally built in Massac...