December
12
2009
Collectors of all ages have tried for generations to capture the adventure and history of the open sea aboard a sailing vessel. Collecting the wooden model ship is one avenue to relive those exciting days gone by.The wood model ship has been with us for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt a common pratice was to put a wood ship model in tombs to carry the soul of the deceased to their afterlife. A good many of these models were found over the years in archaeological digs and are now proudly displayed in museums the word over.
Wooden model ship building has gone through many changes over the years. During the 18th and 19th centuries, shipbuilders often used model ships to show their customers the techniques of ship building and what the new ship would look like. A great amount of detail was often included in these model ships to make them look like the actual ship to be built.
Some sailors with that rare amount of free time on board a ship of the early days, would pass that time with model ship building. A favorite of the times was the small ship in a bottle with rigging, sail and mast included. A nautical museum is a wonderful place to see this type of art work. Being far from the coastal areas is no exuse to miss this as you can find dozens of museums online. I can spend many hours doing just that.
In the United States in the 1920’s model ship kits became available and by the 1930’s were becoming very popular as nautical collectibles. A great many of these early models are now found in seafaring antique shops. These amazing wood ship models can be found easily on the internet stores and auctions also.
December
12
2009
The ships bell has for centuries been used for alarms, signaling and keeping time. All of these being important in the daily routine aboard an ocean vessel.
History
First developed during the Bronze Age, bells cast in metal were broght to a high degree of quality in China. Begining in the Middle Ages of Europe, bells were used by religous orders to signal services and announcements and to regulate activities somewhat like the ships bell was later used on naval vessels.
Keeping Time
Before the chronometer came into use, time on board a ship was measured with a half-hour glass. A sailor was given the duty of turning the glass and sounding a bell each time the glass was turned. From this function came the tradition of striking the bell ounce on the end of the first half hour of the four hour watch, twice on the hour and so on, until eight bells indicated the end of the four hour watch. The process is still in use today as it was as early the 18th century.
Other Uses for The Ships Bell
Signaling
The ships bell is also used as a signaling device during inclement weather such as fog when a vessel would be hard to see.
Alarm
Used to indicate a fire by ringing the bell quickly for 5 seconds, followed by 1, 2, or 3 strikes to indicate the location of the fire. 1 forward 2 amidships and 3 aft.
November
20
2009
The antique telescope was purchased in large quantities by sailors, the military and astronomers. However due to the fragile glass optics and the brass tubes that were easy to dent, not a large amount of these telescopes are to be found today.
Most often these telescopes were used by mariners and had complicated optics to show the image right side up, unlike the scopes used for astronomy which have an inverted image. The hand held telescope, also called a spyglass was focused by moving the tubes back and forth to change the length to get a clear image. A telescope with 3 or 4 sections was much more compact and easy to store, but a little delicate. For durability the mariners chose the 2 section spyglass known as the single draw telescope. Continue Reading »
November
15
2009
Fire Island
Lighthouse collectibles are the usual items sought out when when beginning a nautical theme collection. These can include lighhouse figurines, posters,clocks and more. Lighthouse figurines are made by many manufactures, Harbour Lights being a favorite of many collectors. Continue Reading »
November
15
2009
Welcome to nautical collectibles,I hope to make this site your go to place to learn about the wonderful hobby of collecting nautical items. There will be a great number of collectibles to talk about so check back often to see whats new. Along with the history of these collectibles I will be showing you some really great sources to find and aquire the collectibles you need for your collection or nautical decor theme room. Lighthouse collectibles are a good place to begin a nautical collection with the many lighthouse figurines, posters,calenders and clocks available today. For the serious collector we will be discussing items such as the marine chronometer, antique telescope, nautical tools and so much more, Thanks for the visit and come back soon.