Late 19th Century Nautical Objects

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...

19th century compass by Robert Merrill, dry compass card mounted to timber box on a gimbal. Sliding lid top. Box is painted blue. Dimensions: 8" compass diameter. Measures: 10" L x 1...

Pair of American brass nautical taffrail log spinners, Late 19th century. Stamped by brothers Thomas Shufeldt Negus, Jr. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments...

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...

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...

American brass Nautical Swivel spot light on telescopic barber pole tripod stand, Troy, NY. Late 19th century. Original candle and has been electrified.

Monumental 19th century fisherman atop fish double whirligig weather vane, from Harpswell, Maine, circa 1890, an exceptionally large rustic weather vane from a fisherman's shanty, with whirligig arms on figure and at tip of fish's snout. Great little details include the individual fingers on the tips of the arms. Very worn weathered traces of the original paint. Descended within the family from the Great Grandfather maker. Truly an exceptional piece of New England folk art...

American cast iron Mayflower arched doorstop with sailing vessel on rough seas. Signed on lower base, mayflower, 1620. Late 19th Century.

Yacht binnacle of a very unique and rare design. With Italian compass on gimbals. Mushroom style hood with hinged doors. Ornate pedestal with wood base...

Nineteenth century yacht binnacle in original untouched condition. With mushroom top and matching burners. Oval viewing port exposes the gimbaled compass marked with makers name of a...

Antique Sailor's Woolie of the American Protected Cruiser "USS Chicago", circa 1885, a sailor's hand crafted folk art woolwork picture of a bark-rigged auxiliary steam sailor with in...

Brass bow lantern with clear Fresnel lens by George B. Carpenter of Chicago. Measures: 12 x 5 1/2 x 4 ½.

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...

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 ...

Solid brass deck plate. Dimensions: 17.5" diameter.

Highly polished and lacquered ships port lantern with Fresnel glass lens, vented top and mounting tabs. Very unusual shape. Mounted to a custom wood base ...