SOLD!  Outstanding example of decorative carved moulding from the first-class staircase. Made from quarter-cut English oak, this frieze was installed near the ceiling level of the first-class staircase foyers. Each section of this magnificent  moulding was hand carved and shows an attention to detail that is unimaginable today. Aside from a piece of wood from the Olympic, this is as close as you can possibly get to a sample from the Titanic without mortgaging your house!

After Britannic sank, this piece was sold at the auction of her fittings in 1919 and was then installed in a bar in Belfast.  Usually, one only sees small sections available that are a few inches long.  This piece shows the full repeat of the pattern.  It measures a little over 28" long (or over 2 feet), 4" wide, and 1" thick.  The original piece of wood this was carved from had to have been at least 1¼" thick and several feet long.  Can you imagine what a plank of solid oak like that would cost today?  Taken from a section that was marked with her hull number "433."  In excellent condition.

(Archival photos Harland & Wolff, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Collection and National Monuments Record Collection.)

Olympic                     Running Light

SOLD!  And now ladies and gentlemen, for one of you, take a look at the new centerpiece of your collection!  Olympic's brass starboard running light.

Purchased at the 1935 Olympic auction, this light found a home at the Marquis of Granby Hotel in Lincolnshire, England.  There it remained in a place of honor above the paneling from the ship along with numerous other fittings from Olympic scattered throughout the hotel.  The fittings from Olympic were sold during a remodel of the hotel.

Measures 10" x 12½" x 12" and complete with its Fresnel lens glass (which, although chipped with a crack, is still very solid).  One wonders what happened to her mast light and port running light?  Just behind the Fresnel lens (inside the light) is a layer of green glass which shows us that this is the starboard light.

It comes complete with the original reflector.  Note the round viewing hole in the back in the fifth photo so that a crewman could see that the light was operating.

It's easy to understand why Olympic stands in for Titanic for the modern-day collector.  Here's a chance to own what is obviously a one-of-a-kind item as the other two starboard running lights from the Olympic-class liners are both on the bottom!

One of the finest pieces I have ever offered!  And needless to say, an outstanding opportunity for one of you! 

(Marquis of Granby Hotel photo courtesy of the Titanic Historical Society and Titanic Museum.  Captain E.J. Smith photo courtesy Ken Marschall.)

Olympic Green-and Cream Floor Tiles

SOLD! Beautifully patterned linoleum floor tiles in alternating shades of green and cream as used in first-, second-, third-class, and crew areas of the Olympic. Archival photographs of the liner's interior show these tiles in use in the barber shop and other public areas. Tiles of this identical pattern have been recovered from the wreck of the Titanic and have been found in the remains of the wheelhouse of the Britannic.  The bottom photo shows the tiles before and after cleaning.  Each tile is approximately 6" square. 

All the tiles show some chipping and wear from the time spent at the factory.  Remember these are nearly 100 years old. 
 

SOLD OUT! As we get further and further from the auction, these tiles are getting harder to find

(Archival photo National Maritime Museum Collection.)

Olympic Pine Decking

SOLD OUT!   Thick sections of original pine decking from the Olympic. These come in three-foot and one-foot lengths.

Each section of three-foot decking has an engraved plaque, which reads: “Made from the decking of R.M.S. Olympic ‘Old Reliable’” as well as a hole in each end of the plank for bolting the wood down to the steel deck underneath.

Two different types of one-foot sections are available. The first is a section of decking with the above-mentioned plaque. The other option is a piece of decking with one of the mounting holes and no plaque.

(Archival photo Harland & Wolff, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Collection)

SOLD!  Here's your chance to own a museum-quality item!  A letter written on board the Lusitania's last aborted voyage by second-class passenger Elsie Hardy, detailing her daily activities.  Saved from the sinking, this letter has some interesting and specific details about the last crossing.  For example, she discusses boarding the liner, losing a piece of luggage, the location of her dining room table, her table companions, and much, much more.

On two different types of Lusitania stationery, the letter runs seven pages.  The letter is in fair condition and has been taped back together where it was folded.  It has also separated at the seams and some of the edge is missing, but considering what it and its owner had been through, it's amazing that it even survives and is still legible.

According to information Miss Hardy provided later, she had a camera with her and took some photos on board the day before the sinking.  How would you like to see those?  Here's your chance to own a piece of history. 

SOLD! There's silver, and then there's silver.  This immense champagne bucket and stand was designed with a heavy base to keep it upright in rough seas.  Together these pieces measure over 18” tall.  The bucket is 8” in diameter at the upper rim and 9½” tall.  The stand is 13” tall.  Both produced by Elkington plate.  In the the pinewood pattern, the bucket and stand are each dated 1936.

You can see in the attached archival image the same type of bucket and stand in use on Queen Mary. 

There are two dents in the rim and two dents in the base of the bucket.  Both of these could be fixed by a good silversmith.  The rest is in very good condition with the usual nicks, dings, and marks from use.  It's a massive thing weighing about 15 pounds.  Also note the image before polishing.  It was coal black and took over 4 hours to polish. 

SOLD!  I’m pleased to be able to offer this life jacket from France’s greatest liner.  Canvas over cork with “Normandie,” “Le Havre,” and the number “56” stenciled in black.  What appears to be a maker’s mark stamped on it.  All the ties and buckles in very good condition.  Some very slight staining on the canvas.  Displays wonderfully.  I tried it on, and it fits! 

SOLD!  As befitted the flag ship of America's merchant marine, the decoration aboard the United States was very patriotic.  Among the examples, was a series of 50 medallions by Gwen Lux, each medallion representing a state of the union.  The trend in decoration on board the United States was very "futuristic," and as such, lots of cutting-edge materials were used.  These medallions are made of a type of styrofoam and weigh a mere 3.5 ounces each.  That means that all 50 plaques weighed less than 11 pounds!

Measures 6½" x 1¼".  There are a few nicks out of the rim, but overall in great shape.  All the medallions I've ever seen have this flaw. In fact, we're lucky these survive at all considering the delicate material they're made from.  A number were broken while being removed after the auction.  Identical plaques could be seen at the Windmill Point Restaurant in Nags Head, NC when that establishment was still open. See the second photo at left.

Talk about a one-of-a-kind item!  Here's a rare chance to own a piece of art from America's most celebrated ocean liner.

SOLD!  Scarce turquoise-and-brown creamer.  Stands about 3" tall and is in excellent condition.  One of the hardest pieces of this pattern to find and one of those types of items that sets a White Star china collection apart.  A beautiful little piece!  Curiously in 20 years of collecting, I have never seen a sugar bowl in this pattern. 

SOLD!  Highly sought-after aluminum stateroom vase from the s.s. United States.  Stands 13½" tall and is 7" in diameter at the mouth.  Cabin number U-73 (first class) written on bottom in pen.  See archival photo for one in use on board.  Typically, the vase has a few dings and a small dent from use on board.  The previous owner purchased this at the traveling sale of some fittings shortly before the auction.  A exceptional opportunity! 

Iconic belted-logo bedspread as used on board Olympic and Titanic.  Measures 73" long x 42" wide (just over 6 feet x 3½ feet).  Could be used as a wall hanging and would display beautifully.  To show color accurately, the blanket has been photographed in outside and inside light.   

A touch of rubbing to the flag, a couple of repairs most likely in-service (one 4" long, see photo), and a few small worn spots.  Otherwise in very good condition.  The last one I saw at auction was in very poor condition and didn't meet its reserve even when the bidding reached $2,400. 

 SOLD!   Collecting 19th century Cunard china would highlight any display cabinet.  This large serving pitcher only serves to highlight that rule.  Dates from the 1850's or 1860's.  Considering how small the ships at that time were it's amazing any serving pieces survive at all.  Measuring a foot tall this is the only larger sized version I have ever seen in the "basketweave" pattern.  Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing.  Who else brings you the rarest of the rare?

White Star                              Silver, Fish Knife

SOLD!  Elkington supplied most of the silver service to all White Star ships.  Goldsmith & Silversmith, however, supplied the silver service for the a la carte restaurants on board White Star’s crowning achievements – Olympic and Titanic.  This pattern was registered in 1905 and is exceedingly rare.  This is your chance to own a piece of silver actually photographed on the table in Olympic’s restaurant.  In near mint condition (you can see your reflection clearly in the blade), showing few use marks and some slight wear to the burgee.  This is the first time I have been able to offer cutlery in this pattern.  Grab it while you can! 

(Archival photo National Maritime Museum circa 1920).

SOLD!  At some point around the end of the first world war, someone had the bright idea to change the all-white life rings to a two-tone of red and white for better visibility at sea.  The only other example I have seen of a life ring for her is at the Science Museum in Newcastle, England.  In great condition. 

SOLD!  Exquisitely carved French walnut moulding from the first-class staircase of the Mauretania.  Still in its original finish just like it was taken off the ship.  Marked on the back in carpenters pencil "Boat Deck."

Archival photo by Eric Longo. 

SOLD!  There's ocean-liner memorabilia and then there's ocean-liner memorabilia!  I pride myself on bringing you high-quality items, but sometimes I even surprise myself.  This is one of those times!

If you like Normandie (and who doesn't?), say "hello" to your first-class cabin key.  Originally opened the door to the long-gone single cabin 305, which I like to call the "business man's special," an outside first-class single cabin with a full bath situated all the way forward on the starboard side.

Items like this sell themselves!  Key and tag measure about 4" long. Fob is marked with the CGT logo on one side and "Paquebot Normandie / French Line" on the other.  Grab it while you can!  Great condition. 

SOLD!  Extremely rare pre-maiden voyage brochure for HAPAG's latest and greatest triumph, the Imperator.  20 pages with 24 images, including a photo of the Kaiser on the launch platform with the bottle breaking across the bow, the launch, the liner afloat for the first time, 17 (yes, 17!) interior renderings, and a double-page keyed cut-away.

"The world's largest ship embodying maximum comfort and safety for all."  Near mint.

SOLD!  One of the most confusing patterns White Star ever produced.  Where exactly was it used?  Why have we not seen dinner plates?  White Star researchers can't seem to agree.  One of the rarest pieces of White Star china I have offered.  Identical to its turquoise and brown cousin except with brown "tongues."  In wonderful condition with no cracks or crazing.  Only a tiny chip in the rim.

SOLD!  Exquisite and highly sought-after fine-bone china demi-tasse cup and saucer.  Commonly held opinion says that these are from the Grill Room of the Europa.  They come in two colors, maroon and and cobalt.  Fully marked with the North German Lloyd logo on the bottom.  Lots of gold leaf!

SOLD!  When the American Line took over Inman, it also took over Inman's china pattern; thus we see examples of the china marked "American Line" and "Inman Line."  This 1890's pattern was used on all of their ships, including the St. Louis, St. Paul, New York, and Paris.  A lovely pattern that no collection  should be without.

SOLD!  This very hard-to-find silver platter was used in the exclusive first-class a la carte restaurant of Olympic and Titanic.  This pattern was only used in the restaurants of these two ships, and identical ones were recovered from Titanic in 1987.  Note the same platter in the foreground of the bottom photo at left.  As all those on Titanic went to the bottom, this piece must be from Olympic.  Measuring 9" in diameter, the platter is in very good condition with just a slight bit of wear to the plating.  The piece was manufactured by Goldsmith and Silversmith, one of the most prestigious silver makers in England at the turn of the last century.

Photo of recovered Titanic silver from Les Objets du Titanic 1987.  

SOLD!  Dating to the 1880's, this rare soup bowl is a tough pattern to acquire.  Proof that the pattern dates to the 1880's lies in the fact that numerous examples of it have been recovered from the sunken Cunarder Oregon which foundered off Fire Island in 1886.

SOLD!  This coffee cup was salvaged from the flattened wreck of Cunard's Oregon.  The Oregon was the speed holder of her day and had been purchased from the financially strapped Guion Line just two years before she sank.  Divers have discovered both Cunard and Guion line china at the wreck site.  Getting divers to part with anything so challengingly brought up from the deep is a tall task.  Considering that the Oregon is now nothing more than a mass of twisted, collapsed, and rusted metal, it's amazing that this comes to us in any recognizable condition at all.

SOLD!  China salvaged from the Empress of Ireland is ubiquitous, but her crystal is much harder to find, especially in one piece and with a logo.  One diver told me that he's recovered at least one piece of crystal from the wreck with no logo at all.  A slight haze to the glass from its time under the St. Lawrence, but no chips and cracks.  An amazing piece.

SOLD!  One of the hardest-to-find pieces salvaged from the Empress that you'll probably ever see.  Standing about 2" tall, this creamer was recovered before Canada put a heritage order on the wreck prohibiting anything from being removed.  In very good condition with some crazing.

SOLD!  One of the most beautiful pattern of steamship china you can find.  This tea cup and saucer is made by Mintons and was used on board Cunarders before the first world war.  Cunard really splashed out and spent a lot of money on this china because it's hand-painted bone china with lots of detail.  In excellent condition.

SOLD!  Many of you have heard the rumor that Olympic's wheelhouse is being used as a potting shed somewhere in the U.K. or that a collector has the clock from Honor and Glory and jealously guards his treasure.  Perhaps you have also heard the story that Olympic's swimming pool tiles were in a garden in England.  I can't shed any further light on the wheelhouse or clock stories, but I can put at least one of these rumors to rest.

I'm very proud to offer one of the rarest items I have ever had for sale.  Manufactured by Villeroy & Boch (founded in 1748 and still making bathroom fittings to this day), these tiles belonged to a lady whose grandfather worked at Jarrow and brought these home during Olympic's demolition.  They have been in the family's possession ever since.  Measuring about 7" across and almost 1" thick, each tiles weighs almost 2½ pounds! 

Identical tiles were recovered from the wreck of Titanic in 1987, and examples are currently on display in the traveling exhibit. 

Although this pattern of tile was produced from 1886 to the early 1920's, according to Villeroy & Boch, the back stamp on each tile indicates that these particular ones date no later than about 1910.  The "model number" for the pattern is 562.

Condition varies from tile to tile but all are in good shape with various nicks.

(Archival photos Harland & Wolff, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Collection, and Museum of the City of New York.

One of the finest brochures ever created for CGT's only four stacker.  38 on-board photos, interior and exterior, most of which I haven't seen before.  They are amazing, almost startlingly, clear.  Examples of the photos include your typical public rooms but there are also shots of the bridge, turbine starting platform, boiler room, the children's playroom, and hydrotherapy room.  Readily apparent from the pages of this brochure is that France was one of the most luxurious liners on the Atlantic.  What many people don't realize is that she was also one of the fastest ships on the Atlantic.

Complete with a double-page color rendering of the liner at sea.  In French and in excellent condition with some very light age foxing on the cover.  Tied with a cord.  Brochures of any kind for this French beauty are very hard to come by.