Life-Size Carved Mermaids . . . Hand carved from single timbers. These unique pieces of folk art are in the tradition of old carvings. Formerly found in seaports around the world. These mermaids came from southeast Asia, by way of Hamburg to our shop on the Portland, Maine waterfront. One is painted, the other is oiled. Both are about 6 feet tall, and each weighs approximately 80 pounds. Only two are available. It is almost impossible to get this quality anymore. One of these in your dockside saloon is guaranteed to make “Jack Ashore” a steady customer. $2,000 each.


Pea Coat and Other Items . . .  New Photo to Follow.  Our traditional shirts have been worn by the naval and merchant seamen of many nations for over 200 years. Nelson’s Gunners wore them at Trafalgar in 1805. American whale men prized them in the mid-19th century. French and Russian navies still use them today. Our shirts are made in Belarus near Minsk for the Russian navy. Of 100% Xlopok (Cotton). and have a soft feel against the skin. Here in Maine we wear them under a flannel shirt in winter, and as an outer shirt throughout spring and fall.

Bell Ropes . . .  All made of traditional materials, by old salts in the USA. This is how we keep our shipmates busy when “Jack’s ashore.” The devil makes work for idle hands, particularly merchant sailor hands. Bell ropes are generally 3 or 4 inches long for small bells, 14 or 15 inches long for larger bells. Every ship has at least one. Let us know your needs. They can be painted or varnished. Priced from $10-$35.
Copper and Brass Anchor Light . . . Very traditional oil burning lamp, newly made the old way. They are the most attractive lamps of their kind made today. I have even tested these lights at sea, and they gave good service. Each one comes with an alternate font base should you wish to convert them to electric use. The lamp is about 13 1/2 inches tall, including the bale. $160.
Not-Under-Command Lamp . . . Used with a red glass sleeve inside the lens to indicate that a vessel is not powered or underway. When the red sleeve is removed, the lamp becomes an anchor light indicating the ship is at anchor. This galvanized steel lamp was made in Germany many years ago. I have left the old peeling red paint on it though you may choose to clean this salty old light if you prefer a neater appearance. We have a number of other large lamps in steel, brass, or copper. This lamp stands about 22 inches tall. $375. 

Text will be added shortly for  items shown without descriptions. Please telephone us for details at:
207-773-0081

 
Octant Folk Art Trade Sign
I (Steve Bunker) hand-made this sign of wood with a resin and varnish finish for weatherproofing. A traditional sign for ships chandlers and maritime shops in the 18th and 19th century, this old-style version will give good service outside for years. A larger version hangs in front of our shop in Portland. This octant measures 39 inches tall, from crown to the bottom of the index arm, and 30 inches across the arc. $1200.


Compass Rose . . . 
This carved and painted compass rose is a bit of a whimsy that I did last winter. It was made from a broken table-top from a waterfront saloon in Portland. It was such a nice piece of old pine I didn’t want to see it wasted. The design is based on an 18th century compass. The center is leafed in copper with a 23K gold-leafed star. I signed the inner ring in the old way. In the old days, such signs were used in bars and sailors’ bethels. $500.