12. Other Nautical

12.00  DAGUERREOTYPE CASE.  A very unusual offering in the form of a genuine mid-1800's daguerreotype case fitted with a scrimshawed portrait on walrus ivory of a lovely young woman.  This diptych (two-leaved) case is made of hard vulcanized rubber as invented by Charles Goodyear who patented his invention in 1844.  The lovely case is cast with fancy geometrical designs on the outside opening on a hinged press-fit latch on the interior.  On the left is the oval portrait of a woman.  On the right is the manufacturer's label reading: " Littlefield Parsons & Co. MANUFACTURES OF Daguerreotype Cases ~~~~ L., P. & Co., are the sole Proprietors and only legal Manufacturers of UNION CASES, with the Embracing Riveted Hinge.  Patented October 14, 1856 and April 21. 1857."  The oval format measures 2 ½ by 3 inches.  The trademark is encircled by an ornate 10 karat gold border with foliate designs.  The entire presentation is in near perfect original condition. There are a couple of very minor age cracks at the latch which are barely noticeable without magnification.  This is a really unique piece at a much below market price.  The quality and construction of this case is truly remarkable.  SOLD

12.99 SUNDERLAND JUG. Scarce, very highly sought after early 1800's English pitcher with classic nautical scenes. Known as Sunderland pink lusterware, this rich decorative nautical ceramic bears a total of 4 nautical transfer scenes on its exterior and in its spout. On its right side is the poem reading, "The Sailor's Tear.  He leap'd into the boat, As it lay upon the strand; But oh! His heart was far away, With friends upon the land, He thought of those he lov'd the best, A wife and infant dear:  And feeling fill'd the sailor's heart The sailor's eye a tear." Under the spout is the vignette, "SAILOR'S FAREWELL. Sweet oh sweet is that separation. Where two hearts in unison meet. But the pain of Separation. Mingles little with the sweet."  On the left side is the depiction entitled "THE MARINER'S COMPASS. "Then in the spout is the poem reading "Glide on my bark the summer's tide, Is gently flowing by thy side; Around thy prw the waters bright, In circling rounds of broken night, Are glitt'rings if ocean gives, Her countfless (sic) gems to deck the waves."  This early pitcher is profusely decorated with hand-colored applications and colorful decorations surrounding the poems.  Importantly, it is in absolutely perfect original condition after more than 185 years!  It is extremely rare to find objects of this quality with such profuse imagery in this original condition!  9 inches tall by 9 ¼ inches wide at the handle.  This is literally a museum piece!  Present value $1500.  945   

Literature:
1.  Margery Pugh, "Naval Ceramics," 1971, The Ceramic Book Company, Newport, England.

Plate 92, "Mug Inscribed with "Sailors' Farewell" and "The Sailors Tear," Purple-Luster Earthenware, Sunderland c. 1843.

Plate 95, Wall Plaque Inscribed "The Mariner's Compass," Pink Luster Earthenware, Sunderland c. 1830.

2.  Marian Klamkin, "Marine Antiques," 1975, Dodd, Mead & Co., New York.
Page 172.  "One eighteenth-century hand-painted, two-handled pot has a colorful picture of a bark.  The reverse side carries the sentimental verse:

12.98  ESKIMO DOLL.  Amazing late 19th century Eskimo effigy of a man clad in walrus fur chaps.  This charming effigy is carved of whalebone with facial expression and implied arms.  The unique dress is walrus hide above leather anklets with shoes tied off in sealskin sinew.  The moccasins are especially well made, exhibiting detailed hand stitchery.  The man stands 5 ¾ inches tall by 1 ¾ inches wide.  There may be a few minor losses to the fur on the back side.  Overall, very presentable and quite rare.  A fine addition to any important collection of such objects from the far North.   795

12.97   NET SHUTTLES.  A set of two genuine 19th century sailor-carved net shuttles used in making and repairing fishing nets.  As is typical of American-made examples these are both carved of hard oak and retain portions of their original cotton line.  The larger of the two has acquired a rich deep age patina, while the smaller bears fine line equivalent to sewing thread!  The largest is 8 inches long by ¾ inches wide at the widest and 1/8 inch think.  The other is 6 ½   inches long by ½ inches thick and is 1/8 inch thick. Both are in excellent original condition. 69/pr

12.95  LARGE NET SHUTTLE.  Authentic late 19th century net making tool. This unusually large example is bound with several fathoms of heavy cotton line.  The shuttle is meticulously hand-carved of oak.  Due to being wound with the cordage only the tip and the tail are visible along with both sides of the tool.  Owing to the heft of the line and the size of the shuttle, it is safe to assume it was used in the salt water fishery.  Amazing original condition.  This is a humble working relic, beautifully preserved, from a time gone by. Certainly a museum piece in the fishing-related industry.  95   

12.96  SAIL MAKER's AWL.  Unique 19th century sailor's tool for mending canvas sails aboard ship.  This hand-carved tool is made of hard white oak.  Cleverly, the seaman maker carved a notch midway along its length to attach a leather thong to hold the index finger to provide additional force.  The thong is a single piece of "U" shaped leather with eyes secured around the shaft on each end.  It is an ingenious arrangement which obviously saw actual use, judging by the nice age patina to the wood and leather.  The awl is 4 ¾ inches long and the leather loop is just shy of 2 inches.  A very nice genuine example of the sail maker's craft from the true age of sail!  69

12.93  BATTLE RATTLE.  Classic 19th century hand-held alarm used by the ship's watch to alert the crew to quarters for an impending fight or looming emergency.  This professionally-produced device is hand-finished from solid oak.  It has a turned handle which readily fits the palm.  It connects to an 8-pointed spline known as the "ratchet" impacting a flat wooden tongue or "spring" 1 ¼ inches wide, attached to the bulbous end of the rattle.  The end is weighted with two lead plugs to enhance the rotation of the device when swung in a circular motion.  The rapid rotation causes the tongue to impact the spline with loud "clacks" akin to small explosions. This surviving example is 6 inches long by 1 5/8 inches thick.  With handle it is 6 inches high.  Part of the original tongue is missing due to repeated usage.  However it still functions properly with no other distress or damage.  Extremely scarce! SOLD

In his landmark reference book "Small Arms of the Sea Services," 1972, N. Flayderman & Co., New Milford, Connecticut, Colonel Robert Rankin, USMC (Ret) refers to the Navy battle rattle of the Civil War on page 8 stating, "All hands were called to repel boarders by a sounding gong and battle rattles.  Navy regulations required that hand-held rattles be made of white oak...  The rattle was to be twelve inches long with a ratchet two inches in diameter.  The spring was to be one inch wide and of sufficient thickness and elasticity "to produce the requisite sound."

12.94  CARVED HARDWOOD AWL.  Working sailor's sail making fid beautifully turned and finished from an unidentified dense wood.  Attached to the upper shaft is a leather loop to accommodate the worker's finger for a sure grip.  4 ½ inches long and 5/8 inches wide at the bulbous top.  Outstanding state of original preservation.  A very nice looking nautical "small."  119

12.92 SAILOR's TOOL.  Authentic 19th century hand-carved wooden sailor's miniature fid for mending sails, lines and nets.  This early working tool is made of hard oak rove through with a leather thong to aid punching and piercing sails, line and fish.  To those ends there are noticeable iridescent fish scales embedded in this early example.  5 ½ inches long.  Original working condition.  A real untouched relic from a classic age gone by at a remarkably low price.  What does lunch cost these daze?  39

12.87  SHIP's PLAQUE.  Cast aluminum ship's plaque bearing the crest of a post-war British warship, depicting a plumed knight in armor, castle gates and war arrows.  Nicely hand-painted.  With a little research this ship's name can be determined.  5 by 7 ½ inches.  15

If identified and mounted on a wooden backing, this is a $150 item.

12.88   SERVING MALLET.  Large sailor's working tool in the form of a device helping to "serve" (tightly wrap) small stuff around a larger line to prevent it from fraying.  This commercially made example is constructed of hard, dense maple.  14 ½ inches long by 3 inches wide on the head.  Very sturdy!  29

12.89   PACKING LABEL.  Brilliant old California fruit crate label reading "CHANNEL Brand Santa Barbara County LEMONS, Goleta Lemon Association Goleta California (California Red Ball)."  This artistic chromolithograph has a central oval scene depicting a schooner passing a lighthouse and lemon grove with Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands on the horizon.  Seagulls frolic in the surrounds.  The image is bold and bright with intense colors.  9 by 12 ½ inches.  MINT original condition dating from the 1940's.  39

12.90  NET SHUTTLES.  Pair of matching net making tools, consisting of a shuttle and an awl (driver).  These genuine 19th century sailor's tools are finely hand-carved of dense oak made to   exacting tolerances.  The shuttle in particular is especially well made and bears close scrutiny to appreciate its workmanship.  7 ¾ and 5 inches long respectively.  The awl is slightly thicker than 1/8 inch and the shuttle is amazingly just over 1/16 inch thick!  Both in excellent original condition showing actual use by no abuse.  49/pr

12.85  ANCIENT SEA CHART.  Authentic ship's navigational chart published by "Laurie & Whittel No 53 Fleet Street, London in May 1794" as marked at the top under the title "A CHART Of The MADERAS And CANNARY ISLANDS Made by Order of the French Government in 1769."  This handsome, very exacting map is engraved (with telltale plate marks) on heavy rag paper which was extremely valuable at the time.  It is testament to the fact that the quality and accuracy of such charts held the fate of mariners in its hands.  It depicts the said islands on the Northwestern coast of Africa in the mid-Atlantic ocean.  It is done in topical relief showing the hills, rivers and geographic features of each of the islands.  It also shows 7 coastal promontories as would be viewed by an approaching mariner to distinguish and identify shoreline features.  In addition, two insets depict potential mooring locations with indicated depths for anchoring.  This chart, measuring 22 by 28 inches in a remarkable state of original preservation considering it is over 2 and a quarter centuries old!  No tears, stains or any other damage.  A rare relic surviving from the early days of sale.  295

12.86  WATERTIGHT CANNISTER.  Early 1900's commercially-made container for a variety of shipboard uses.  This solid copper canister has a press fit cover which slides into position against a raised boss on the side of the cylinder, providing a very secure tight seal.  10 inches tall inclusive of cover and 4 ¾ inches in diameter.  Excellent original condition.  99

12.84  BATTLESHIP MAINE COMMEMORATIVE.  Very scarce late 19th century memorial to the sinking of the famed Battleship MAINE in Havana Harbor, Cuba in early1898 which sparked the Spanish-American War. This rare cobalt blue glass piece is cast in the form of the famous battleship in remarkable detail.  The lid forms the superstructure and the base is the repository.  Both sides of the base are embossed "REMEMBER THE MAINE."  The entire presentation is in remarkably pristine original condition after 120+ years.  It measures 7 inches long by 3 inches wide and 3 ¾ inches high.  195

The explosion and sinking of the Battleship MAINE (ACR-1) in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898 with the loss of 260 American lives, led to America declaring war on Spain.  On April 23rd, after much Yellow Journalism and political wrangling, Congress declared that a state of war had existed between the U.S. and Spain since April 21, the day the U.S. began to blockade Cuba.  In the ensuing 10 weeks U.S. Naval and land forces thoroughly decimated Spanish forces. It was during this period that the vast majority of "Remember The Maine" articles of all types were offered to the American public in an effort to gain popular support for the war.

Subsequently, with resounding defeats in Cuba and the Philippines, Spain sued for peace.  Hostilities were halted on August 12, 1898, when a Protocol of Peace between the United States and Spain was signed in Washington.  The formal peace treaty was signed in Paris on December 10, 1898.  As a result of the war the United States gained all of Spain's colonies outside of Africa, including the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico, excepting Cuba which became a U.S. protectorate.  These gains prompted John Hay, America's Ambassador in Britain, to refer to it as "the splendid little war," in a letter to his friend Theodore Roosevelt.  Theodore Roosevelt and George Dewey benefited greatly from their participation in the war.  Both men gained immediate fame as national heroes.  Roosevelt's fame ultimately propelled him to the White House.

Years later it was determined the Battleship MAINE did not explode and sink due to hostile action, but as a result of its faulty boilers.

12.83  DIVIDERS.  Impressive late 19th century ship's navigator's dividers of exceptional size. These single hand dividers were of the form used by ship navigators to determine distances on marine charts while freeing their other hand to manipulate parallel rules.  This handsome example is made of German silver with inlaid steel tips.  It measures 9 ¼ inches long and 3 inches wide at the top when closed.   The action is tight and exceptionally accurate.  The biggest and finest set of navigational dividers we have come across in 40 years in business.  Truly museum quality. SOLD

12.82   CREW WATCH DRAW MARKERS.  Rare!  Complete, mint set of 12 numbered brass ship's crew draw markers made by noted nautical makers "John E. Hand & Sons, Philadelphia" as embossed in gold on the blue leather snap case.  This World War II vintage set consists of 12 sequentially numbered brass bars 1 ½ inches long by 3/8 inches wide.  At the start of all maritime voyages, the crew's watch rotation  had to be determined.  A conflict-free way to accomplish this task was for the Chief Officer to lay 12 markers face down on the chart table, shuffle them like dominoes and let each crewman pull a marker.  This method of establishing the watch rotation was quick and without dispute.  New old stock.  A very obscure, little known historical marine relic!   149

12.81  EARLY BOATSWAIN's  CALL.  Genuine 19th century boatswain's whistle of classic form complete with original sailor-macraméd lanyard.   Known as a "pipe" or a "call" this nickel-silver whistle has a barrel cast in high relief with an anchor surmounted by a crown on both sides.  The keel is highly embellished with floral designs and holds a ring for attachment to its lanyard.  The dyed cotton lanyard is of has a very high quality with numerous complex sailor macraméd knots including a monkey's fist and 4 Turk's heads.  The whistle is exactly 4 inches long and is 7/8 inches wide on the barrel.  The lanyard measures 17 inches long.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.  This call emits a loud, shrill tone when blown.  324

HISTORY of the BOATSWAIN'S CALL.

The Call has its beginnings in the days of the English Crusades, 1248 A.D., as a method of alerting troops to arms. Documented in 1485 A.D., the call was used as an honored badge of rank, then being worn by the Lord High Admiral of England.  Undoubtedly it was worn because it was used as a method of passing orders, and therefore signified authority.  When the Lord High Admiral, Sir Edward Howard, was killed in action off Brest in 1513 while commanding French Galleys, a "Whistle of Honour" was presented to him posthumously by the Queen of France.  From about that time onward the call was no longer used as a badge of rank, reverting to its original use as a method of passing orders only.  About 1671 the name Call was well established, lasting to the present day.  In the U.S. Navy the call is often referred to as a Boatswain's Pipe.

12.80  BRASS SHIP's PHONE.  Second quarter 1900's internal ships telephone from a Swedish steamer.  This solid brass telephone weighs an amazing 21 pounds!  It is signed by the maker in high relief cast brass "Ericsson" and is marked on the back "Made In Sweden."  It has the early rotary dial type.  Charmingly, it rings on two brass bells at the bottom.  The Bakelite hand set is also marked "Ericsson" attached by springy phone cord (replaced).  Attesting to its shipboard use, the receiver hangs up and closes on the two spring-loaded nickel posts at the top.  This phone was professionally wired by the previous owner for in-home (analog) use.  The front hinges open to reveal the circuitry within, complete with wiring diagram.  The heavy cover hinges open and closed on a watertight rubber gasket.  There are 3 substantial cast brass mounting tags on the body, one at the top and two on the bottom for attachment to the bulkhead.  8 ½ inches wide by 10 ½ inches high and 3 ¼ inches thick.  The receiver is 9 ¼ inches wide.  Excellent condition.  SOLD

12.78  BOATSWAIN's PIPE.  Authentic, World War II bosun's pipe made of sterling silver.  This classic call measures 5 ½ inches long and has a spherical ball (known as the "buoy") 7/8th inches in diameter.   The tube (known as the "gun") is beautifully tapered to the flared mouth piece.  The "keel" is marked "STERLING" just forward of the attachment ring (known as the "shackle").  MINT condition.  195

HISTORY of the BOATSWAIN'S CALL.

The Call has its beginnings in the days of the English Crusades, 1248 A.D., as a method of alerting troops to arms.  Documented in 1485 A.D., the call was used as an honored badge of rank, then being worn by the Lord High Admiral of England.  Undoubtedly it was worn because it was used as a method of passing orders, and therefore signified authority.  When the Lord High Admiral, Sir Edward Howard, was killed in action off Brest in 1513 while commanding French Galleys, a "Whistle of Honour" was presented to him posthumously by the Queen of France.  From about that time onward the call was no longer used as a badge of rank, reverting to its original use as a method of passing orders only.  About 1671 the name Call was well established, lasting to the present day.  In the U.S. Navy the call is often referred to as a "Boatswain's Pipe."

12.76   CAPTAIN's  INKWELL.  Extremely scarce, genuine early 19th century ship captain's inkwell made of pewter with a hard fired porcelain insert.  Telling of its shipboard use, this writing implement has a very broad base measuring 9 inches in diameter.  This of course was to keep the precious ink from tipping over in a seaway aboard a rolling sailing ship.  The body of the well, measuring 4 ¾ inches wide, has 6 apertures for holding pen quills which surround the central porcelain well in the center.  A hinged folding lid covers the well but not the apertures.  The lid and the base are both scribed with double decorative concentric lines.  Complete with a later colorful quill pen.  We cannot overstate how rare this offering is!  It will make a treasured statement on the desk of that self-described sea captain in the family.  Guaranteed to be absolutely authentic and over 170 years old.  Found on the sea coast of New Hampshire.  Museum quality.  695

12.73  MATE's ROPE GAUGE.  Very scarce and highly prized late 1800's or very early 1900's hand-held device used by the ship's cargo officer to determine the size and breaking strengths of line and cable used aboard his ship.  It is signed on the edge "I & D SMALLWOOD MAKERS B'HAM. ENGLAND."  This precision instrument is made of boxwood and brass, incised with a multitude of information about every conceivable type of connective lines, rope and wire in general sea cargo service.  They include "SHROUD TAR'D HEMP COILS 120 FAM (Fathom), LAID MANILLA COILS 1200 FAM, HAWSER TARED HEMP COILS 90 FAM, LAID MANILA COILS 90 FAM, WIRE ROPE, HEMP ROPE, CHAIN WT PER FAM EQL TO HEMP ROPE and WIRE."   On the reverse are indications for various weights and lengths of the material.  They read, "WIRE CIRCUMFERENCE, ROPE WT PER FAM, and EQL TO HEMP ROPE." This device is essentially a caliper which indicates diameter and circumferences of the objects measured and then provides a readout of safe working loads in tons.  A very accurate scientific instrument with a nautical use.  4 3/4 inches long by 2 inches wide and 1/8 inch thick.  It expands to provide a measurable reading of 8 inches.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.   A fine example. SOLD

12.72  IVORY MARLINSPIKE/AWL.  Professionally-made punch/bodkin/marlinspike/awl with a steel working end, a silver collar and a lovely octagonally faceted ivory handle.  This working tool is signed "J.S. CHEVALIER" as stamped into the steel.  One can assume this instrument was made in 19th century France.  The contours of the instrument are continuous facets terminating in a very sharp point.  Overall length 5 ¼ inches.  Minor age checks in the ivory handle, otherwise perfect original condition showing good age.  195

12.70  MATE's ROPE GAUGE.  Very scarce and highly prized late 1800's or very early 1900's hand-held device used by the ship's cargo officer to determine the size and breaking strengths of line and cable used aboard his ship.  It is signed on the edge "JOHN RABONE & SONS BIRMINGHAM."  This precision instrument is made of boxwood and brass, incised with a multitude of information about every conceivable type of connective lines, rope and wire in general sea cargo service.  They include "SHROUD TAR'D HEMP COILS, LAID MANILLA COILS, HAWSER TARED HEMP COILS9 of MB, CHAIN WT PER FAM (Fathom), EQL TO HEMP ROPE and WIRE."   On the reverse are indications for various weights and lengths of the material.  They read, "WIRE CIRCUMFERENCE, ROPE Wt PER FAM (Fathom), HEMP SIZE, and ROPE Wt PER FAM ((Fathom).  This device is essentially a caliper which indicates diameter and circumferences of the objects measured and then provides a readout of safe working loads in tons.  A very accurate scientific instrument with a nautical purpose.  4  5/8 inches long by 1 7/8 inches wide and 1/8 inch thick.  It expands to provide a measurable reading of 8 inches.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.   The best! 269

12.05  ESKIMO KAYAK.  Very fine early 1900’s model of an Eskimo kayak, faithfully made in the traditional manner with seal skin over a wood frame connected by sinew and embellished with walrus tusk ivory components.  This detailed model features a single Eskimo hunter carved of wood, clad in coarsely-woven, hand-stitched cloth.  His handsome kayak is replete with two long walrus ivory-tipped harpoons and two wooden grappling tools.  There are numerous other small ivory fasteners on the top of the craft connected with sinew.  The bow and stern are further reinforced with ivory caps and runners attached with small wooden pins!  This near scale, realistic presentation measures 20 ½ inches long by 2 3/8 inches wide.  With the Eskimo caricature it stands 3 ¾ inches high.  Outstanding original condition, beautifully preserved.  795

12.64  HAT BADGE.   Post World War I hat emblem worn by an engineering officer in the Soviet merchant fleet.  This handsome badge is constructed of finely cast brass in the form of an old fashioned anchor surrounded by split shot anchor chain.  These bear an oxidized back finish.  The front of the anchor is graced by a gilded propeller.  At the top of the anchor is the iconic hammer and sickle.  The back of the badge is imprinted “MD” referring the ship’s engineering division.  The hat badge is secured by a threaded silver disc which screws on tightly to a post protruding from the back of the propeller.  It measures 2 inches tall and 1 5/8 inches wide.   Excellent original condition.  A really decorative, well-made ship relic from a bygone era.  49

12.63  PAPER WEIGHT.  Early 1900’s glass advertising paperweight with a very clever humorous marine and gambling association.  It reads, “Don’t  Gamble on Quality!  For Sure Bet, Call Eliot 6116 for Paints – Chemical – Engineering Supplies – Tank & Hold Cleaning Evaps, Fuel Oil heater 24 Hours a Day  MARINE SERVICE, INC. Seattle.”  Charmingly it contains 2 free moving die which roll as the paperweight is moved.  The thick clear glass measures 4 ½ by 2 ¼ inches and is 1 inches thick.  A old reflective mirror is on the bottom.  Outstanding original condition with no flaws, chips or scratches.  One of the most amusing such marine-relating items we have ever come across.   A great rarity for sure! 179

12.62  CALENDAR TILE.  Highly collectible very early 1900’s porcelain advertising tile from 1913.  This lovely glazed tile indicates the dates of 1913 as offered by the “Jones, McDuffre & Straton Co.” of Boston.  Of great significance is the reverse which depicts a beautifully detailed view of the “Pier 46 Mystic Wharfs” showing the R. & M. R.R. Terminal Boston with the ships “HAMBURG AMERICAN LINE S.S. DEN OF CROMBIE, AMERICAN ORIENTAL, LINE S.S. JESSERIC, and HOLLAND AMERICA LINE S.S. AMSTELDYR.”  3 ¼ by 4 ¼ inches.  Absolutely perfect original condition.  Over 100 years old!  99

12.56  MOTOR LAUNCH BOOKENDS.  Absolutely charming matched pair of heavy bronze bookends beautifully cast in the form of a power boat plowing through wavy seas.  The cabin cruiser with open cockpit is depicted with the uniformed helmsman at the early-style vertical wheel.  The sleek craft creates a rolling wake with the bow rising above the waves as it races past a forest and lighthouse on the cliff above.  The casting details of every aspect of these quality bookends are exceptional -- statuary quality.  7 inches long by 4 inches wide and 3 ½ inches tall.  Each bookend weighs 3 pounds.  Circa 1930.  This pair will make a significant statement in a power boat enthusiast’s library!     695 /pr

12.67 EARLY SHIP COMMEMORATIVE. Genuine, early 1900's framed photograph of the famous American steamer identified as the S.S. STEEL WORKER. which met a disasterous end in the service of the U.S. in World War II.  This handsome presentation consists of a period black and white photograph of the vessel that has been hand tinted.  It is mounted under glass within a turned redwood frame in the form of a ship's wheel.  The frame is decoratively hand-painted in a distinctive style, "S.S. STEEL WORKER" with a fouled anchor. The image measures 5 1/2 inches in diameter with the entire presentation being 12 inches across. Excellent original condition. 189

The S.S. STEEL WORKER, call sign KDBJ, was built by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. (a division of United States Steel) Kearney, New Jersey in 1920. She was of 5,860 gross tons, 3,450 net tons, had a length of 424 feet, a breadth of 56 feet and a draft of 26 1/2 feet. With a crew of 34, S.S. STEEL WORKER operated under the ownership of the Isthmian Steamship Company, home ported in New York.

STEEL WORKER acquired an early reputation as a "hell ship" due to the conditions and lack of staples provided to the crew. In fact two entire crews deserted her in between runs from new York to the Panama Canal. But she went on to have an illustrious career as a commercial cargo carrier. As the World War II broke out she came under the control of the U.S.Maritime Commission. Carrying foodstuffs for the beleagured Russians under assaulut by the Nazi invasion, STEEL WORKER was sunk by a German mine just 3,000 years from her destination of the port of Mishayamp, Murmansk on June 3, 1942.

The distinctive style and format of this presentation is quite recognizable and has come to our attention several times before. (See West Sea Co. items 5.13, 5.14, 5.74, 5.77 and 15.68). Although the authorship of these commemoratives is unknown, they apparently were produced by a cottage industry in the San Francisco Bay Area in the first half of the 1900's. They are quite collectible and are still very inexpensive for what they are -- decorative, real time ship mementoes made for the crew!

12.49  VERY EARLY LIFERING COMMEMORATIVE.  Late 19^th century ship memento commemorating the full-rigged sailing ship “TIMANDRA (of) GLASGOW” as beautifully painted at the top and bottom of the presentation.  It consists of an original old albumen photograph of a painting of the lovely ship underway at sea with full sail.  The house flag and the British ensign have been hand-touched in red.   The nicely executed painting shows great detail including the ship’s call flags flown below the “old duster,” her trailboard and billethead on the bow and her nameboard abaft the anchor on the foc’sl.   The image, measuring 6 inches in diameter, is protected under its original wavy glass.  It is encircled by a carved wooden frame in the form of an old fashioned lifering.  The British ensign is painted on the left and TIMANDRA’s house flag “R” is painted on the right.  The periphery of the ring is fitted with a grab rope held by 4 sections of blue denim.  Quite interestingly the reverse bears the framer’s advertisement, “From THE ADELAIDE PHOTO CO.  … Portrait and marine Art. 256 Pitt Street, Sydney.”  Obviously indicating this ship’s souvenir was made in Australia.  The lifering itself measures 9 ¾ inches across.  Excellent original condition showing good age on the front.  The backing is toned with some losses, but is in tact.  Overall it displays very well.  It is a rare, early relic of its genre.  Guaranteed to be over 120 years old!   SOLD

12.41   COMMEMORATIVE SPOON.   Genuine turn-of-the-last century sterling silver spoon representing “CATALINA ISLD.”  as hand-engraved in the bowl.  Under the inscription is also a hand-engraved scene of Avalon Harbor with a large yacht, sailboats and the pier in the bay.  Surrounding the shoreline is the town of Avalon, hills and the historic Wrigley House on the right of the scene.  The stem of the spoon is ornately decorated with floral designs, as is the back.  At the junction of the bowl and stem is embossed “STERLING” and “PAT. 1901.”  Further, there are 3  fine raised maker’s hallmarks including an anchor.  The spoon measures 5 3/8 inches long overall and the bowl is 1 1/8 inches wide.  Flawless, absolutely perfect original condition.  All surfaces are bright, clean and as crisp as the day they were made over 110 years ago!  149

12.40  BATTLESHIP MAINE COMMEMORATIVE.  Late 19th century sterling silver spoon with the bowl hand-engraved with a beautiful image of the famous “BATTLESHIP MAINE, Destroyed Feb. 15, 1898.”  The stem of the spoon is decorated with floral bouquets and is signed with lion hallmarks flanking a “W” marked “STERLING.”  5 inches long.  Perfect original condition.   195

The explosion and sinking of the Battleship MAINE in Havana Harbor, Cuba with the loss of 252 American sailors’ lives eventually led to the Spanish-American War.  The incident engendered great American patriotism and a wealth of period souvenirs from a generation of buttons to dishes.  This period example is one of the more elegant and costly, having been produced in very limited numbers by skilled artistans on a precious metal medium.