by antiquer | June 15th, 2011
It’s Time to Start Your Collection ~ From Ships’ Wheels to Portholes!
Steering a large sailing vessel is no easy task. And it was likely more difficult three hundred years ago, sans hydraulics, when the helmsmen had to operate the wheel to match the motion of the tiller. Underestimating the time it took to turn a ship, and trust me, these old ships didn’t turn on a dime, meant risking grounding the ship or worse, being dashed against coastal rocks on the shore. Ships wheels are historically interesting and a valuable maritime antique for collectors.
Antique Ships Wheel
Helmsmen were one of the most important members of the crew. And the ship’s wheel, sometimes enclosed in the cabin but often out in the elements, had to be well maintained, both in terms of operating and in overall condition. Wheel designs were works of art and beautiful reproductions are available, depicting the era in which they were used. From classic yacht wheels to old sailboats used for exploration and fishing, each wheel carries its own story.
Most authentic wheels have at one time been on ships. Made of mahogany or teak, solid brass or iron hubs with hand-carved spokes, these beauties range in size from 60-inches (often used on paddle boats) to 18-inches, used on smaller sailing yachts. Some include chrome and roping; some are painted, most still have their original varnish or lacquer. You’ll find original wheels in salvage yards or online, and they can cost upwards of $2,000. Perfect for using on your own boat, or collecting them as part of your nautical collection, reproductions can also be found. There’s a plethora of finely-crafted replicas at auctions, online galleries and in “salty” nautical stores everywhere.
Antique Porthole
And when “down below,” as they say in sailor speak, portholes were/are a godsend — small windows with watertight glass or metal that open and close as needed. Again, original portholes taken off old ships can be located in salvage yards and shops along the coasts that specialize in original seafaring items. Brass and aluminum portholes are plentiful, but you’ll find many different styles and sizes, including those with intricate nuts and bolts used to “batten down the hatches.”
Both ships’ wheels and portholes are used in window and furniture design. Fashioning a wheel over a cylindrical base, and then covered with glass or pieces of metal makes a great table and conversation piece. These items are often used in nautical-themed restaurants or for the collector who wants to adorn a room in the home. Both show well when mounted on walls as a grouping or as a standalone in a special section of home or office.
For those of you who imagine yourself behind the wheel of a ship, pipe in hand and sailing the high seas, or down below with the fresh salty air blowing in through the port, it may be time to start thinking of adding these ships’ accessories to your collection.
You’re killing me with cool ideas and thoughts! I just love this place and find myself pouring over and savoring every word. I am glad I found you and wish there were more places like this, but now I don’t care so much as I await your next topic with anticipation for an extraordinarily fun read. Thanks, Jane
Hello Jane,
It’s wonderful to read such complimentary words about our nautical website. We will be writing many more ways to go about creating a valuable nautical collection and where to find some of the rare seafaring antiques. Thanks, Mary
I own the ships wheel and brass bell housing including directional markers and a bell that sounds when the wheel is turned. It is from a Steam ship that dates to 1927 built in Iowa and is from the George Verity riverboat and is in very good condition. This boat is now a museum on display in Keokuk IA. Do you know what the worth of this item could be? thank you.
Hi…I have an old ships wheel wooden with either steel? iron? hub and around the wooden wheel. Very heavy at 70 pounds and about 46″ from tip to tip..iT had 10 tips (handles) I was thinking it should be brass rather than steel/iron?? Can you please guess the era for me? I was told maybe the 1900′s??? Thanks so much!
Hello Dawna,
Sounds like a great find. Brass and mahogany would tip the scales on value, and be more likely with this ships wheel description. None-the-less it sounds like it is an authentic nautical treasure and could date back to the late 1800′s or Victorian Period. Very nice!
I have an old wooden ships wheel with brass insert that was left to me by my grandad and i wanted to know if you could tell me how i go about selling it.
Robert
Hello Robert,
That is a good question and you are not alone in your quest to sell your Maritime treasure.
One place to start is by looking around to see if there are any shops in your area that sell these nautical antiques and if so, stop in and chat with the workers and owners. Also look for a bulletin board or any collectors cards or information in the shop. You can also ask the owner if they purchase collectables directly from customers, such as you. What you are trying to do is gain some information and not be too quick to say your interested in selling. Research always helps to realize the value before you begin trying to sell your prize possession. Also know the measurements, materials and condition your antique is in when you inquire about value on this type of ships wheel. Do not simply go with the first persons idea of value, shop around and inquire with as many as you can. This way, you’ll start to see a pattern of value and gain an idea of what your wheel may be worth.
If you do not have any maritime antique shops in your area you should surf the web over to eBay auctions (http://www.ebay.com) and look around in that category under the ships wheels. Get down to the “completed auctions” and click that to see what things have sold for and see if you can get an ideas of how your wheel fairs against others that have sold on eBay. It really is a great place to buy and sell maritime antiques.
Do your homework and you will reap the benefit of those efforts in knowing you have gained a respectable amount in your sale.
Good luck and let us know how you faired!