Maritime Antiques ~ Our Connection To The Sea
The sea has long held a sense of mystery and romance in our lives — pirates, sunken treasures, exploration, discovery, faraway places — the sea and all its wonders stir a passion and interest in all of us. This may be why so many people find pleasure in collecting maritime antiques, that and the fact they add a nice touch of “salty” décor, wherever they’re placed.
- The Precise, Navigational Tool Is The Sextant
If you’re looking for a list of all possible nautical items, from the rare to the eclectic fun piece, online resources are invaluable. Just about every nautical-themed gallery and shop has online sites for you to pick and choose. There are also places to actually visit—quaint shops where a sea of every imaginable maritime trinket and memorabilia can be viewed, touched and purchased.
Some nautical antiques are one-of-a-kind that complete or can add to one’s burgeoning collection. For the nautical aficionado who is looking for the rare maritime piece, like original artifacts from old ships, scrimshaw collectibles, and other classic sailing remnants that are true antiques—more than 100-years-old, try auction houses and/or contact other private collectors who may be in the market to “sell.”
- Your Compass Will Guide The Way
While the extent of your connection to the sea may depend on your budget, consider smaller nautical items, such as a compass, portholes, small wooden wheels and brass lanterns. Their age and condition will drive the price up or down, but these types of collectibles are affordable to most—from around $50 to $300. Navigational instruments can cost as much as $1,000, and the rare antique that’s coveted by many can cost several thousands of dollars.
Popular nautical collectibles run the gamut—from ship models (mounted, glass case), pond ship models (built in the 19th century), sextants, diving helmets, compasses, tackle rigging, ships’ lines and old fashioned ropes, wenches, cleats, sails and brass artifacts. So if you’re new to the collecting game, decide which ones you want to start with. Think about why you’re interested in that particular item. Is it because you believe it will increase in value or is it because you are most interested in that particular item? Where will you place it? How much room will it take up and how many similar pieces do you want? If you’re a Moby Dick fan with an adventurous soul, think scrimshaw or old whaling tools, like a harpoon.
You might also consider vintage lamps and captain’s furniture. If the furniture is a vintage piece, such as a desk or chair, it might have been restored. This may lessen the value, but can be a collector’s dream in terms of nautical memorabilia.
Whatever your connection to the sea, there’s a collectible item to bring the “sea” into your home.