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WOOLWORKS BRITISH by Land And Sea Collection™

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Rare Medicus Militia Sword Documented Peterson's Museum Deaccession
Medicus Infantry Officer's Eagle Head Saber Museum Deaccession
MEDICUS Militia Infantry Officers Sword Ca 1821-1840 Museum Deaccession
Early E. Richards American Eagle Head Saber Ca 1805 Medicus Museum Deacession
Important M1784 French Glaive de l'Artillerie Short Sword Museum Deaccession
Early French Hunting Sword, Hanger, Cuttoe Ca 1750-65 Museum Owned
Ames M1850 Foot Officers Sword 1861 Date Museum Deaccession
Italian Military Short Sword Mid 19th C Museum Deaccession
AMERICAN SILVER HILT SWORDS SABERS by Land And Sea Collection™
American Silver Hilt Eagle Head Saber Ca 1775 -1805
American Silver Hilted Hanger, Hunting Sword, Ca 1775 -1805
Antique Ship's American Figurehead Ex Museum Collection Ca 1845
ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE BINNACLE, COMPASS, HELMS & TELEGRAPHS By Land And Sea Collection™
Royal Navy Faithful Freddie Binnacle WW II
US Warship's Antique Ships Engine Order Telegraph From USS WASP 1898
Important Antique Mushroom Twin Burner Sailing Ship Binnacle Ca 1870
Rare Iver C. Weilback Binnacle Compass Ca 1890
Rare Robinson Bridge & Engine room Ships Telegraph Display
Vintage Skylight - Cathedral Binnacle in Bogart's SANTANA style
ANTIQUE DRY CARD COMPASSES by Land And Sea Collection™
Antique E & G.W. BLUNT Boxed Dr Card Compass Gimbaled Pivot Ca 1820
Antique American Dry Card Compass Dolphin Presentation Display
Antique Dry Card Telltale Compass Ca 1850 Captain's Quarters
Antique NEGUS Dry Card Boxed Compass Ca 1869
Sir William Thomson - Lord Kelvin - Patent Application & Model Compass Card 1889
Giant Vintage Reflective British Compass
Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird Boat Compass
Antique Rare American Long Boat Tiller - Rudder Head Ca 1800
Antique HMS Woodlark Cased Life Ring Ca 1898
ANTIQUE FLINTLOCK & PERCUSSION PISTOLS by Land And Sea Collection™
Royal Navy Pattern 1842 "TOWER" Sea Service Percussion Pistol
Antique Flintlock Pistol by Aubert Fine Condition Ca 1825
ANTIQUE SEXTANTS, OCTANTS & NAVIGATION INSTRUMENTS by Land And Sea Collection™
Antique Three Ring ( Dreikreis) C. Plath Quintant - Sextant Ca 1900 Very Rare
Important American Antique Octant E & GW BLUNT Ca 1855 Sextant
Mariners Astrolabe Dated 1600 Museum Deaccession
Antique Artificial Horizon for Sextant by KEUFFEL & ESSER Ca 1890
Large Bronze Ship's Dolphin Statues Art Nouveau
ANTIQUE MARITIME NAVAL SWORDS & CIVIL WAR WEAPONS by Land And Sea Collection™
Rare Ames M 1840 Cavalry - Dragoon Saber - Sword date '49, 5 Stars
Famous AMES M1841 Antique U.S. Navy Cutlass Saber
Antique AMES M1860 U.S. Navy Cutlass Civil War Sea Service Weapon
British Hanger Naval Officers' Sword by Thomas Gill, Ca 1797
Richards Upson 5 Ball Pillow Pommel American Officers Sword Spadroon
Early U.S. Eagle Head "KETLAND" - "MEDICUS" Saber Ca 1805 Sword
Ames M1832 Short Sword CIVIL WAR NAVAL Medallion
M1911 Dutch Klewang Authentic Ca 1940
Famous NATHAN STARR M1812 Cavalry Saber Exceptional
Artistic Carving Co. American Eagle
DIVING HELMETS ANTIQUE & VINTAGE by Land And Sea Collection™
Early Schrader U.S. Navy 1918 MK V Diving Helmet Guaranteed Authentic
Navy Diver's 1943 SCHRADER U.S. Navy MK V Diving Helmet
ANTIQUE VINTAGE SIGNAL SALUTE & SHIPS CANNONS by Land And Sea Collection™
Model 1841 Mexican War Signal Salute Cannon
Important Cast Bronze & Iron Civil War Signal Salute Cannon
HMS VICTORY Ships Bronze Signal Cannon
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE BOAT & SHIP MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
Four Masted Bark Vintage Sailor-made Model Massive Ca 1920
Vintage 38 Ft. ELCO CRUISETTE Motorboat Model Custom Made
SS PRESIDENT COOLIDGE Handcrafted Vintage Wood Block Model Dollar Lines- U.S. Navy
Antique Diorama American Bark Sailing Ship Model Ca 1860
Bas Relief Folk Art Model of Clipper Ship FLYING CLOUD Known Artist
Chesapeake Bay Steam Ship Diorama 19th - 20th C - 11 Steamers
Thames River Motorboat Display Ready Model Boat Ca 1920
Sculpture Builders Offshore Racing Boat Model Original
UNDERSTANDING HALF HULL MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
MORE AUTHENTIC BUILDER'S HALF HULL MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
Combined Lift & Buttocks Method Builder's Half Hull Ship Model
Large Builder's Presentation Half Hull Motor Ship Ca 1880
Antique Plating Half Hull Giant Builder's Model Ca 1900
ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE HALF HULL BOAT MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
Large American Builder's Half Hull Ship Model Ca 1890
Antique New England Builder's Half Hull Sailing Ship Model
Antique Builder's Half Hull Motorship Model Ca 1870
NOAA Tank Test Submarine Support Ship Half Hull Model
MILITARY, NAVAL KNIVES, DAGGERS, DIRKS by Land And Sea Collection™
French First Empire Rope Horn Hilt Presentation Dirk Ca 1820
Fairbairn-Sykes 3rd Pattern Hollow Ground Blade Imperial Cutlery Co.
US NAVY - ROYAL NAVY ARTIFACTS & RELICS by Land And Sea Collection™
Rare Official US Navy 13 Star Small Craft Boat Flag 1912
U.S. Navy Steam Frigate USS "NIAGARA" European Civil War Cruise of 1864-65
Steam Frigate NIAGARA Official Crew & Officers' List 1864-1865
Original WW I Submarine War at Sea L.A. Shafer Poster Mint
First China War Medal 1842 - British Naval General Service Named
Admiral DAVID FARRAGUT Lieut. Commander age 37 Ca 1838 Frm Rare Engraving
British Royal Navy Gold Bullion Epaulets Ca 1865 in Display Case
ELCO Bronze Boat Hatch Ca 1929 - 1945 WW II PT Boat Connection
Antique Spike Tomahawk Axe by Underhill Ca 1820
Antique U.S. Navy Single Draw Telescope
Ca 1840-50
CDR David Mc Campbell, USN, WW II Fighter Ace Oil Portrait by Bob Casey
VINTAGE AIRPLANE MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
Boeing 314 Clipper Flying Boat Model Plane
Douglas DC 3 Model Airplane
Ford Tri-Motor Model Airplane Tin Goose Aircraft Model
Mega Giant Sopwith Camel WW I Fighter Plane Model Huge Size
Gee Bee R-1 Thompson Trophy Winner Model Airplane
NEW SEXTANTS - ASTRA III B DELUXE by Land And Sea Collection™
USED SEXTANTS PREMIUM BRANDS by Land And Sea Collection™
Scarce C Plath "NAVISTAR CLASSIC" Premium Sextant 1981
Tamaya MS 833 Jupiter Sextant 4 x 40 Scope - Whole Horizon UNIVISION equipped 5 Stars
MARINE, NAUTICAL ANTIQUES , ARTIFACTS, RELICS by Land And Sea Collection™
New Bedford Whaler Bark WANDERER Relic Ca 1878 - 1924
FINE NAUTICAL ART, MARINE PAINTINGS & FOLK ART by Land And Sea Collection™
Ship Portrait by British Bark "GLANIVOR" Oil Attributed to Reginald A. Borstel
Ship Portrait by Antonio De Simone Furness Lines SS Wetherby 1883
Original Watercolor French Cavalry Officer by Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Detaille
Antique Chinese Export Trade Silver Bosun's Pipe or Call 19th Century
Sailboats in Moonlight by Edward Moran Ca 1860
Pilot Boat Leads Ships To Liverpool, England 1866 - Oil Painting Signed
Boston Harbor Ship Painting Walter Lansil 1879 OIL
Royal Navy Midshipman in the Rigging - Watercolor Ca 1785
Sailor Made Sea Chest Beckets & Mounts Ca 1850 American
Antique John Bellamy Style Carved American Eagle
Ward Line Ship Portrait USS NIAGARA Fredrick S. Cozzens Original Watercolor 1888
Clipper ARGUS Ship Painting by L. Papaluca The Elder Ca 1890
Sino Italian Painting American Bark PARAMOUNT Ca 1854
Antique Shipbuilder's Colored Advertising Ship Drawing
Original Bill of Sale CLEOPATRA'S BARGE Built 1830
MILITARY HEAD GEAR COVERS & HATS by Land And Sea Collection™
Rare Sailors Hat & Vest - Jack Tar Uniform Ca 1825 Authentic
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE SHIPS & NAVY BELLS by Land And Sea Collection™
Vintage US Navy Rare Grey Patina Bronze Bell Ca 1910
RADIO ROOM CLOCKS - by Land And Sea Collection™
SHIPBUILDERS PLATES by Land And Sea Collection™
Ship's Commissioning Plaque, Passenger Ship, Troop Transport, Hospital Ship
Rare Dutch Ship Builder's Plate P. Smit, Jr, Rotterdam
NAUTICAL, MARINE, MILITARY SHIPS CLOCKS by Land And Sea Collection™, Chelsea, Seth Thomas
Important U.S. Navy Early CHELSEA Clock Ca 1910. One of a Few
CHELSEA WW II ZIG ZAG Course Change Clock From USS Marblehead
Rare Vintage Chelsea Rose Bronze "BASE AND BALL" Clock
Ships Bell Clock Schooner MADELEINE America's Cup Defender 1876
Antique U.S. Navy Chelsea Boat Clock Ca 1910
Seth Thomas 1935 MERRIMAC Striking Bell Ship's Clock
SHIPS LIGHTING FIXTURES - POLISHED BRASS by Land And Sea Collection™
Vintage PERKO Giant Size Navigation Light Electric & Oil Lamp
Giant Size PERKO Big Ship's Navigation Sidelights
Massive Ships 90 Degree bulkhead or Navigation Lights
TAFFRAIL SPEED & DISTANCE LOGS by Land And Sea Collection™
Thomas Walker TRIDENT Ship's Mechanical Log & Display
ABOUT OUR MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
MYSTIC SEAPORT BOAT & SHIP COLLECTION by Land And Sea Collection™
Mystic Seaport's EMMA C. BERRY Boat Ship Model
"BRILLIANT" Mystic Seaport's Famous Schooner
Mystic Seaport's Coastal Steamer SABINO Boat Ship Model
Chris Craft Barrel Back Speedboat Model
Chris Craft 1929 Commuter Cruiser Boat Ship Model
Chris Craft "Utility" Model Boat
Chris Craft 1934 Triple Cockpit Speedboat
1934 Chris Craft Double Cockpit Runabout Speedboat
1920 Classic Motor Yacht
1926 Raised Deck Motor Yacht DREAMBOAT Model
Gar Wood SPEEDSTER Model
New England Lobster Boat Models
U.S. DESIGN BOAT MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
HALF HULL MODELS by Land And Sea Collection™
Beetle Catboat Model
Crosby Cape Cod Catboat Model
Marshall 18 Catboat Model
"ADVENTURESS" Schooner Model
"AMISTAD" Freedom Schooner Model
"AMERICA" Schooner Model
"BLUENOSE" Schooner Models
Schooner "BRILLIANT" Large Size Sailboat Model Training Ship
"GERTRUDE L. THEBAUD" Racing Schooner
Chesapeake Bay Skip Jack "MINNE V"
S & S Yawl "ODYSSEY" Model
Herreshoff 12.5 Sailboat Model
1905 Herreshoff "NEW YORK 30" Sailboat Model
Herreshoff "S BOAT" Model
International One Design Class - "IOD" Model Racing Sailboat
LIGHTNING Class Racing Sailboat Ready Built Model Boat
"FRIENDSHIP" Sloop Model
J Class "RAINBOW" Sailboat Model
J Class "ENDEAVOUR" Sailboat Model
J Class "SHAMROCK V" Sailboat Model
CONTEMPORARY NAUTICAL ART, MARINE PAINTINGS OF CLASSIC SEASCAPES by Land And Sea Collection™
American Clipper Ship - China Trade Oil Painting Giant Size
American Baltimore Clipper Ship Oil Painting
WOOLWORKS BRITISH by Land And Sea Collection™
Woolie of Sail Assisted Four Masted British Steamship Sailor Made Wool Work
ARCHIVES of Land And Sea Collection™
Land And Sea Collection at Palm Beach 2010 Winter Antiques Show
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Woolie of British Sail Assisted Four Masted Sailing Vessel Sailor Made Woolwork
Click on picture for details

shpwounfrmdedt034.jpg

PICTURE SIZE: Unframed 19 1/4” x 14 1/2", viewing area Framed 29“ x 24“

There are three woolies on this page
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN

SAILOR MADE WOOLY OF ROYAL NAVY KNOWN FRIGATE
HMS PRINCE REGENT 1852
 
 

Picture size framed 17" x 13"                  Unframed 12" W x 9" H
Stitched on canvas                                   Dated 1852
 
Presented is a magnificently made woolie of a well documented British warship originally built in 1823 as a First Rate Ship of the Line with three decks and 120 guns. She was the second ship of this name. In 1844, her top deck was removed and her armament and crew reduced. In nautical terms, this process is called "razeed". She was further modified in 1861, to a screw type sailing vessel and all her guns were removed. By 1873, she went to the breakers.
 
The woolie shows her as she was in 1852, the date on the scroll. She was then Commanded by Captain Frederick Hutton, and was the flagship of Rear-Admiral Armar Lowry Corry, admiral of the Channel squadron. The word "Pience" is a misspelling of Prince as a result of seamen not being particularly well educated in those days. The drawing was done in the 1850's by a Royal Navy captain. Below in the "gallery" is a picture of a three deck, first rate, ship of the line which is what the Prince Regent looked like before she was razeed.
 
The stitching is the finest we have seen and intricately worked in different directs using different types of stitches to show the movement of the waves. The rigging is done in extensive detail   and an intimate knowledge of how sailing ships were designed.  
Woolies that have the ship's name and a date are extremely important and rare. This one is especially important because of the ship's history and elegant thread work.
 
PROVENANCE: Acquired from a private collection where it was for the preceding fifteen years, and before that reportedly "handed down in the family of the original owner for generations".

 
CONDITION: The woolie is worked in shades of blue, tan, black, cream, and red and all are faded with age adding to the pictures charm. All the yarn is intact, and the threads are taught with no slack. It is a very fine example with the original period wood frame. Because of its 155 years of age, please understand that fading is to be expected. There is a picture of the back in the "gallery" below.
 
Don't be confused by her RED ENSIGN which she is shown flying from the mizzen gaff. Today it is used by the British Merchant Navy, but not then. This flag was originally introduced in the early 17th Century for use aboard ships and land and was the flag flown during the time of the American Revolution. At sea, the Red Ensign was originally the principal ensign of the Royal Navy, and as such it was worn by ships of the Red Squadron, as well as by those warships that were not assigned to a squadron. The white and the blue ensign were used to designate the other two squadrons. In July 1864, the Admiralty  ordered that the White Ensign was the ensign of the Royal Naval Service. The Blue Ensign became the national colours of ships commanded by an officer of the Royal Naval Reserve, and with appropriate badges added as national colours for ships in government service of the Commonwealth countries. The Red Ensign was assigned to British merchantmen. This structure remains today.
 
All the pictures of the face of the woolie were taken though its glass. Consequently, there is some glare and distortion
            Detail of stern
                     Detail of hull
 
                         Detail of rigging
BRIEF HISTORY OF HMS PRINCE REGENT:
Date
Event
12 April 1823
Launched as 1st rate sailing ship at Chatham Dockyard.
(January 1840)
Out of commission at Portsmouth
April 1844
- September 1847
Main deck removed and reduced to 92 guns
7 December 1847
- 21 December 1849
Commanded by Captain William Fanshawe Martin, Channel squadron
21 December 1849
- 18 May 1852
Commanded by Commodore William Fanshawe Martin, Channel squadron
20 May 1852
- 3 March 1854
Commanded by Captain Frederick Hutton, flagship of Rear-Admiral Armar Lowry Corry, Channel squadron
3 March 1854
- 16 December 1854
Commanded (until paying off at Portsmouth) by Captain Henry Smith, in the Baltic during the Russian War
Career as unarmoured wooden screw vessel
Date
Event
27 May 1861
Completed as screw at Portsmouth Dockyard.
 
Never fitted for sea as screw
28 July 1873
Breaking up completed.
HISTORY of WOOLIES: British sailors crafting woolies were talented needle workers. The height of popularity of this form of folk-art was between 1840-1880. The sailors learned their craft through their daily routines of repairing the ship's sails and taking care of their uniforms. They made the most of their limited spare time and personal space by creating works of art that could be rolled up ,, and stored under their bunks when not being worked on. These sailors were knowledgeable about their ships and their surroundings and were skilled at drawing on canvas and then transforming a simple sketch into a vibrant, detailed, and interesting ship picture. Their accomplishments is magnified by being self taught and creating their works for the satisfaction they gave since there was no profit motive. The overwhelming majority of woolies are unsigned. A recent sale of such a woolwork brought $22,000.00 in Massachusetts and they regularly sell for in the twenty thousand dollars.

A SIMPLE CHECK LIST FOR BUYING WOOLIES

Condition is probably the most important consideration. Are the threads intact, are they stretched, water stained, moth eaten, etc. Expect to see some fading of color which is a good indication of age. The most highly sought after, and therefore the most valuable, are those that are identifiable as a specific vessel.

Color: Bright vibrant colors may be the sign of a recently made piece, but it also could be that of one that was stored away or out of the sunlight which would be a good thing.

Complexity of design: Woolies that have more than a simple profile of a ship are more valuable. Some have land in the background, the name of the vessel, various flags flying, crests or other embellishments that add value.

Design: Some sailors had a knack for composition and color sense which make the work visually appealing while others ended with an unattractive scene.

Size: The larger the size, the higher the value. Most woolies are about 16 x 24 inches.

Stitching: There are various stitches that sailors used many of which came from sail making, but others learned the art of embroidery so they combined complex stitches for detailing. This adds value. Long stitches take less time, and therefore closely spaced stitches add to the value.

If nothing else, remember HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE, CONDITION, COMPOSITION, COMPLEXITY enhance value

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.
 
International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated after the auction and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

An interesting wool work of a good size warship of the first quarter of the 19th Century in excellent condition.

 
Copyright 2007 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved

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This Fine Woolie Has Been Sold. Thank You!
 
SAILOR MADE WOOLY OF ROYAL NAVY FRIGATE
Ca 1830

PRESENTED is a sailor made Woolwork frequently referred to as a wooly of a Royal Navy frigate of 36 guns flying the White Battle ensign. She does not show a smoke stack so that it is fairly safe to assume the embroidery dates from prior to the 1830's-40's when steam powered ships began to appear in increasing numbers. The ship is entering port with a watch tower flying the Union Jack on a headland off her port bow.
 
The stitching is worked in shades of blue, brown black, cream, and red and all are faded with age adding to the pictures charm. All the yarn is intact, and the threads are taught with no slack. It is a very fine example with the original period wood frame. This is an old work so please expect some fading
 
 
Picture size 18 1/2" W x 12 7/8" H
HISTORY: British sailors crafting woolies were talented needle workers. The height of popularity of this form of folk-art was between 1840-1880. The sailors learned their craft through their daily routines of repairing the ship's sails and taking care of their uniforms. They made the most of their limited spare time and personal space by creating works of art that could be rolled up ,, and stored under their bunks when not being worked on. These sailors were knowledgeable about their ships and their surroundings and were skilled at drawing on canvas and then transforming a simple sketch into a vibrant, detailed, and interesting ship picture. Their accomplishments is magnified by being self taught and creating their works for the satisfaction they gave since there was no profit motive. The overwhelming majority of woolies are unsigned. A recent sale of such a woolwork brought $22000.00 in Massachusetts.

A SIMPLE CHECK LIST FOR BUYING WOOLIES

Condition is probably the most important consideration. Are the threads intact, are they stretched, water stained, moth eaten, etc. Expect to see some fading of color which is a good indication of age.

Color: Bright vibrant colors may be the sign of a recently made piece, but it also could be that of one that was stored away or out of the sunlight which would be a good thing.

Complexity of design: Woolies that have more than a simple profile of a ship are more valuable. Some have land in the background, the name of the vessel, various flags flying, crests or other embellishments that add value.

Design: Some sailors had a knack for composition and color sense which make the work visually appealing while others ended with an unattractive scene.

Size: The larger the size, the higher the value. Most woolies are about 16 x 24 inches.

Stitching: There are various stitches that sailors used many of which came from sail making, but others learned the art of embroidery so they combined complex stitches for detailing. This adds value. Long stitches take less time, and therefore closely spaced stitches add to the value.

If nothing else, remember CONDITION, COMPOSITION, COMPLEXITY enhance value

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated after the auction and is an additional charge. You may email us before bidding to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.

An interesting wool work of a good size warship of the first quarter of the 19th Century in excellent condition.

Copyright 2006 by Land And Sea Collection.com, All Rights Reserved


This Fine Woolie Has Been Sold. Thank You!
 
SAILOR MADE WOOLIE OF BRITISH MERCHANT SHIP
 
 

PRESENTED is an extremely large sailor made Woolwork frequently referred to as a wooly of a British merchant ship flying the RED Ensign known as the Union Jack. The black ports on her side shows that she may have carried 24 guns. She does not show a smoke stack so that it is fairly safe to assume the embroidery dates from prior to the 1830's-40's when steam powered ships began to appear in increasing numbers. The ship is flying an array of flags, some of which can be identified without a "period" code book, that add to the interest.
 
The stitching is worked in shades of blue, black, cream, yellow and red and some are faded with age adding to the pictures charm. All the stitching is intact and there is no evidence of damage. The picture was taken using incandescent lighting. The true colors are without the muting, meaning the white is whiter, and the blues more vibrant.
 
PICTURE SIZE 36 1/2 x 23 1/2", unframed
 
MEANING OF FLAGS: The Union Jack with the white border on the foremast truck was authorized for use in 1823 to call for a ship's pilot and was known as a Pilot Jack. The flag on the mainmast truck is a "house" flag which signifies the owner of the vessel. The flag on the staff at the stern shows the vessel's nationality as British and dates from 1801.
 
The individual flags of the four flag hoist, in descending order, are Numeral 8 (not to be confused with the French national flag), Letter "L", Numeral 7, unidentified. However, without access to a signal code book, the meaning of the group is unknown. This maybe something the new owner would like to undertake.
 
 
 

A SIMPLE CHECK LIST FOR BUYING WOOLIES

Condition is probably the most important consideration. Are the threads intact, are they stretched, water stained, moth eaten, etc. Expect to see some fading of color which is a good indication of age.

Color: Bright vibrant colors may be the sign of a recently made piece, but it also could be that of one that was stored away or out of the sunlight which would be a good thing.

Complexity of design: Woolies that have more than a simple profile of a ship are more valuable. Some have land in the background, the name of the vessel, various flags flying, crests or other embellishments that add value.

Design: Some sailors had a knack for composition and color sense which make the work visually appealing while others ended with an unattractive scene.

Size: The larger the size, the higher the value. Most woolies are about 16 x 24 inches.

Stitching: There are various stitches that sailors used many of which came from sail making, but others learned the art of embroidery so they combined complex stitches for detailing. This adds value. Long stitches take less time, and therefore closely spaced stitches add to the value.

If nothing else, remember CONDITION, COMPOSITION, COMPLEXITY enhance value

HISTORY: British sailors crafting woolies were talented needle workers. The height of popularity of this form of folk-art was between 1840-1880. The sailors learned their craft through their daily routines of repairing the ship's sails and taking care of their uniforms. They made the most of their limited spare time and personal space by creating works of art that could be rolled up ,, and stored under their bunks when not being worked on. These sailors were knowledgeable about their ships and their surroundings and were skilled at drawing on canvas and then transforming a simple sketch into a vibrant, detailed, and interesting ship picture. Their accomplishments is magnified by being self taught and creating their works for the satisfaction they gave since there was no profit motive. The overwhelming majority of woolies are unsigned. A recent sale of such a woolwork brought $22000.00 in Massachusetts.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated after the auction and is an additional charge. You may email us before bidding to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.

An interesting large wool work of a British merchant ship of the early 19th Century in excellent condition.

Copyright 2006 by Land And Sea Collection.com, All Rights Reserved