CLOTHING:We usually have some old, surplus Peacoats and bridge coats, most U.S. issue, but some from foreign navies. We also offer regulation watchcaps, sailors' striped pullovers, and more.
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FLOTSAM & JETSAM In this area you will find anchors, portholes, lobster traps, buoys, bits, chain, deck hardware, boats, bollards, tools and the odd piece of salvage or something strange recovered from a wreck.
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SEXTANTS & NAVIGATION TOOLS: The modern sextant descends from the wood-frame octant developed by Hadley in 1731. Over the years we have carried instruments from the earliest period to modern day. Our still-usable instruments are populr with professional mariners and yachtsmen. Several masters of sailing ships in the Operation Sail fleet have purchased instruments from us, as have grads from Maine Maritime, Kings Point and Mass Maritime. (My dad was class of '28.) We do not sell plasti imitations.
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BELLS: Universally recognized as an important feature of a ship's identity. Bells are used to mark time and the turn of the watch. They are also used as fog signals and distress calls. Bells with ships' names and dates are particularly nteresting to the collector. Most large sailing vessels and early steamers had at least two bells, one on the foredeck or amidships, and one aft by the helm as a watch bell. We offer both old and new bells for the collector and mariner.
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SHIP’S LIGHTS AND LAMPS: From small boats to large ships, every vessel must carry particular types of navigation and utility lights. Even today some nations mandate a full set of non-ferrous, oil-fired lights for auxiliary or emergency use. I have salvaged century-oldoil lights from ships still in service. They can be sheet iron, galvanized steel, copper, brass or aluminum. Electric or oil.
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TELESCOPES: The spyglass or telescope has been an indispensible part of the master mariner's kit since the late 17th century Usually made of wood or brass, they are often covered with leather or sailcloth and occasionally personalized with engraving or knotwork. Early instruments tend to be pricey and don't have the clear optics of modern scopes, but do have great history and oul. Keep in mind that telescopes are used for spotting ships, buoys, lights, etc. and don't have the field of view of modern binoculars.
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WHEELS: Generally called helms, wheels first appeared on ships in the mid-18th century. They come in many different sizes, styles and materials. Most are constructed of teak, mahogany, oak, ash or elm. In that mid-1800’s Iron and bronze became popular materials for making wheels. We still sell helms to boat builders and ship owners for marine use, but most become furniture or décor. Prices vary depending upon condition and rarity. We have a number of helms. If you don’t see what you want on our merchandise/catalog pages, let us know what you want.
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BINNACLES, TELEGRAPHS, ETC.: The binnacle holds the ship's compass. It is placed on the bridge near the steerng station. Generally, every lifeboat has one as well. Most are equipped with a lighting device, electric or oil, sometimes both. They can stand as tall as 5 feet tall and weigh 120 pounds; smaller, portable units can stand 9 or 10 inches for use with a fshing schooner, lifeboat or yacht.
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COMPASSES: We offer both the early, dry-card variety or the more modern flotation or liquid compass. We sell many to collectors, particularly the earlier models. Older flotation types after 1866 are occasionally souht for sailing restorations.
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EPHEMERA: We have all manner of printed materials from earlier eras-ship menus, passenger liss, baggage tags and schedules. Post cards, envelopes, ship and crew photos. Mariners' documents and inspection certificates. Ship manifests, port papers and news sheets (newspaper) from 1650 to the early 20th century, with reports of piracy and early explration.
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TRIBAL & ETHNIC ART: Any sailor who sailed the southern seas was bound to bring home an odd primitive figure or mask. These carvings still show up in homes and barns throughout coastal New England. PeabodyMuseum in Salem is a monument to the curious mariner and his souvenirs. My father, a ship's chief engineer, went ashore in West Africa and started a trading post. Most of my family's collection ended up in a saloon on Cape Cod. I still find great masks wih the help of African friends and my wandering son. Principally African items, but also Pacific Island, and the occasional Central and South American piece.
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FOLK ART: Sea folk have always been known for their arts and craftsmanship--woodcarving, painting, smithing, marlinespike work and the like. We like to have traditional sailor’s crafts on hand, such as figureheads, quarterboards and sea chests. We try to avoid elephant and whale ivory products, new or old. I don’t want to encourage the market for ivory. However, items made from non-endangered species bone are often available.
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THE DITTY BAG: In this category we’ve gathered some of the miscellaneous small, everyday items the seaman carries, including but not limited to pipes, pockets knives and ditty bag stuff. Plus the geegaws and shiny things that sailors love, items that declare their maritime way of life—hat badges, insignia, brass buttons, union pins, cap ribbons. Check it out. You never know what will turn up.
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WEAPONRY: An unfortunate fact of life in early seafaring was the necessity of weapons. Generally small arms, cutlasses, muskets, pistols, etc. were secured in an arms locker or an officer's cabin. Heavier weaponry likeswivel and rail guns and, of course, cannons would be placed in critical areas for quick mobilization. During a deep sea voyage, the crew would stow heavy guns below as additional ballast. We often carry small arms from the Age of Piracy (1650-1730) throuh the 19th century.
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FLAGS, PENNANTS, BANNERS: Few ship's flags survive the ravages of wind, sun and sea. When we find interesting examples, we research them, then offer them to you. Remember, flags are symbols of great pride. They deserve conservation and care. We recommend the use of UV protective glass, acid-free mats and mounts, and deep frames to keep the fabric from touching the glass.
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TOOLS OF THE MARITIME TRADES: Hand tools, rigging gear, blacksmith equipment, spikes, palms, fids, seam rubbers, sail needles, etc. For the craftsman, collector or crewman. In particular, we look for working gear for the working sailor.
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At China Sea Marine Trading our focus is Nautical Antiques, Tools & Traditions. Expect the usual, and the unusual. Explore the categories from bells to binnacles, ship's lights to swords, ship's wheels to ring buoys, net floats to flags to folk art, telescopes to tribal art. Find an ocean liner menu for your collection, a fid for your ditty bag. Chart a course with a compass or choose an artifact from the Great Age of Piracy. And if you don't see what you want, ask for it.
Your inquiries are welcome!
China Sea Marine Trading Co.
Steve Bunker & Sharon Bondroff
229 Portland Road • Gray, Maine 04039
Phone: 207-657-2117 E-Mail: ChinaSea@ChinaSeaTrading.Com
