British Nautical Objects

A vintage trade sign from the esteemed Thomas Walker & Sons Ltd, renowned makers of ship’s logs and chronometers in Southampton, UK. The sign is be...

Large early 20th Century Antique British solid copper and brass nautical Port signal lantern/lamp with Fresnel lens. With maker's badge from English fir...

British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy White Fleet Frigate The sailor's woolwork depicts a portside view of a square-rigged three masted ship flying the White Ensign. The blue s...

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...

British Sailor's Woolwork of the Barque Polly, Named "Polly", Circa 1885-95 Offered is a magnificent and historically significant British sailor's woolwork, or "woolie," dating to the last quarter of the 19th century. This exceptional piece presents a detailed port-side view of the three-masted barque Polly under full sail. The vessel's name is proudly displayed on a banner flown from the mainmast and is also visible on her bow, a testament to the sailor-artist's pride in his vessel. The artistry of this woolwork is particularly noteworthy. The sails are skillfully executed using the trapunto technique, a form of relief quilting where sections are padded from behind to create a dynamic, three-dimensional effect. This application masterfully conveys the impression of sails swollen with wind, bringing the scene to life. The sea is depicted in a series of rippling bands of green and white wool, a characteristic convention of this folk art form that effectively captures the motion of the water. This historically rich textile is presented in a handsome maple ogee-shaped frame, typical of the period and befitting the quality of the artwork. The piece is glazed with Museum UV glass, a modern conservation measure that significantly reduces light reflection and provides superior protection against fading and light damage. Historical Provenance: The Barque Polly The woolwork is a tribute to a specific and well-documented vessel. The barque Polly was built in the renowned shipyards of Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1885. The ship was christened at its launch by Marian "Polly" Woodside, the wife of the vessel's owner. In a charming departure from the traditional champagne, Mrs. Woodside tossed a cascade of flowers across the bow to christen the ship. The Polly embarked on numerous voyages, primarily serving the trade routes between South America and the United Kingdom, before being repositioned for service in the Pacific. As a barque, the Polly featured three masts, with the fore and mainmasts being square-rigged and the mizzenmast being fore-and-aft rigged. This configuration was highly popular for long-distance merchant vessels as it required a smaller crew than a fully-rigged ship, making it an economical choice for ocean crossings. A label affixed to the reverse of the frame indicates that this woolwork was featured on the acclaimed television program The Antiques Road...

Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Five-masted Ship under Steam, HMS Minotaur or HMS Agincourt, Minotaur Class Broadside Ironclad, circa 1880 The sailor's woolie depicts a portsi...

Exceptional pair of polished and lacquered English Marine binoculars. Rare amber filtered lenses. Geared focal knob. Clear crisp optics. Circa 1930.

19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with a Double Decker Ship of the Line, ca 1850, depicting a larboard side view of a square-rigged double decker warship under standing rigging, ...

Trio of 19th century maritime curiositys, two glass bottle neck shards from the launch bottles of two ships. Also an unused streamer from another ships maiden voyage All have the wax...

A large Gothic Revival oak barometer with blind trefoil carved pediment, a rare snail tail mercury thermometer flanked by turned and incised uprights with sunflower carvings. A small...

This most attractive mid 19th century folk art cased diorama shows a view at sea with a large three mast English ship being chased in a racing situation by a smaller and faster single mast yacht. Both are passing by a lighthouse which is in the foreground. This diorama has been beautifully handmade. The vessel, sails and lighthouse are all hand carved in wood and very nicely painted in bright colours as is the setting of the choppy sea which has most likely been formed in papier mâché. The most appealing element of this piece is its small compact size which easily lends itself for display on a shelf, table or perhaps wall mounted. The case is made from nailed pine boards which have been papered and painted black and finished with a glazed front set into putty. The glass is original and period with lovely handmade imperfections. This decorative diorama is in excellent original condition. English, circa 1860 Height 16cm x width 52.5cm x depth 8.5cm max. Thank you for looking at this rare and interesting 19th century diorama...

A pair of bobbin turned teak candlesticks - Royal yacht HMS Renown A pair of teak candlesticks. The brass drip pans to concave turned candle sockets over tapered bobbin turned colu...

Finely carved tuna fish trade sign with pickled finish. Carved from solid timber with fins, gills, eyes and snout. Fitted with hanging hooks. Overal...

An interesting scale model hull of a vessel with its original line plans. The boat has its original painted exterior, and appears to be complete. The plans are dated but unfortunate...

Late 19th Century Sailor's Woolie of a Four Masted Barque, circa 1880, a handcrafted sailor's woolwork picture depicting a starboard side view of a four master with square rigged for...

Inspired model of a boat or skiff expertly crafted in mahogany, probably by a boat builder, having a graceful form and has acquired a well earned patina only time can give.

English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...

Carved wood codfish trade sign reminiscent of the signs that used to hang in the English fish terminals in the 19th century. Detailed carving with gills, fins, scales, eyes and snout...

English Pottery Pearlware Sailor Figures, Circa 1820. A lovely pair of English pottery pearlware figure groups each depicting a sailor resting on his sea trunk...

Lugger in full sail riding a wave past a lighthouse with land on the horizon. Characterful naive picture in the spirit of Alfred Wallis. Provenance: Pa...

Chart of the East Coast of England, from Dungeness to Flamborough, including the entrances to the Thames River. Drawn by hydrographer J.W. Norie in 1841. Includes Kent, Essex and Suf...

Chart of southern Japan compiled by James F. Imray and published in 1870. The chart captures the coast and islands. Includes Nagasaki, Kii Channel, Gulf of Yed...

Carved and painted Atlantic Bluefin tuna. Carved fins, gills, eyes and snout. Fitted with iron hanging bolts. This carved fish is reminiscent of the trade signs that would hang in th...

Large engine room bell from a ship. Polished brass bell is mounted onto a heavy steel housing. Big piece of industrial maritime gear. Very decorative. Circa 1950.

Very unusual 19th century matched pair of sailor's Yachting Woolies, circa 1870, a true pair of woolworks featuring mirror images of the same Yawl rigged yacht, and period photograph...

Chart of West Coast of South America compiled by James F. Imray and published in 1880. The chart captures the west coast from Valparaiso to Truxillo. Includes ...