Free: Antique boat stuff?

[ferrailleur]

Not trying to buy or sell anything!
Just curious about what you have found in antique stores or garage sales?


For a starter: I have bought this antique brass boat hook for $40 in an antique dealer shop. It weighs 4/6 lbs.... Think of the strength of these old school mariners trying to catch a mooring line with that thing atop a 15' wooden pole!

[Richard5]

That does look antique to me, the metal is none too stout. The coloration looks like too much tin in the mix. Besides, the clasp is a fairly new feature on a book hook.

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by Richard5

That does look antique to me, the metal is none too stout. The coloration looks like too much tin in the mix. Besides, the clasp is a fairly new feature on a book hook.

Interesting.... please elaborate on this piece:
Granted: I've often bought fake/new "antiques" just because of the look and my enthusiasm!


In this case: what's wrong with the metal? finish?
Yes the clasp looks that it has never been used.


BUT WHO IN THE WORLD WOULD MANUFACTURE/REFURBISH SUCH A PIECE FOR A HANDFUL OF MARINE COLLECTOR SUCKERS (like me!)?

[WanderingStar39]

I've always owned wooden boats, and live on an island. I've found inexpensive bronze cleats, chocks, oars, copper nails, oarlocks and even spars. I found a free lapstrake double end rowboat at a moving sale once.

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by WanderingStar39

I've always owned wooden boats, and live on an island. I've found inexpensive bronze cleats, chocks, oars, copper nails, oarlocks and even spars. I found a free lapstrake double end rowboat at a moving sale once.

what do you think of my boat hook???

[Orion Jim]

eBay is full of "vintage" marine hardware, as are the consignment shops and the antique shops, which is of recent manufacture. Most is made in China and India.
This particular item shows no sign of wear or age so it is suspect.

[WanderingStar39]

Originally Posted by ferrailleur

what do you think of my boat hook???

I don't know it's origin, but I like it.

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

eBay is full of "vintage" marine hardware, as are the consignment shops and the antique shops, which is of recent manufacture. Most is made in China and India.
This particular item shows no sign of wear or age so it is suspect.

If made in China or India.... shouldn't the country of provenance be clearly stamped on the item as required by law?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by ferrailleur

If made in China or India.... shouldn't the country of provenance be clearly stamped on the item as required by law?

My cynical outlook is that anyone slimy enough to make fake antiques wouldn't be too worried about your "required by law" (if that is even a law!).

A genuine antique boathook would most likely have a bunch of dings where it bashed into mooring rings, etc. My non-antique one sure does! I suspect fake, myself.

Doesn't mean it isn't something to enjoy having and showing off, though.

Jim

[Richard5]

Originally Posted by ferrailleur

Interesting.... please elaborate on this piece:
Granted: I've often bought fake/new "antiques" just because of the look and my enthusiasm!


In this case: what's wrong with the metal? finish?
Yes the clasp looks that it has never been used.


BUT WHO IN THE WORLD WOULD MANUFACTURE/REFURBISH SUCH A PIECE FOR A HANDFUL OF MARINE COLLECTOR SUCKERS (like me!)?

The metal looks cheaply made, hence my comment of 'too much tin' (zinc). Not only has metallurgy changed over the years, think 'cheap China' metal, but these days things are not as robust. The 'thinly made' was a guess based on likely cheap metal. The clasp looks stamped, the pin not sturdy or peened as should be expected.

THERE IS A MARKET FOR KNOCK-OFF 'ANTIQUES', MORE SO ON ANYTHING 'NAUTICAL'. Don't feel bad, I once got taken by 'antique' Tiffany lamp. It was a pretty good fake but fake nonetheless.

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by Richard5

The metal looks cheaply made, hence my comment of 'too much tin' (zinc). Not only has metallurgy changed over the years, think 'cheap China' metal, but these days things are not as robust. The 'thinly made' was a guess based on likely cheap metal. The clasp looks stamped, the pin not sturdy or peened as should be expected.

THERE IS A MARKET FOR KNOCK-OFF 'ANTIQUES', MORE SO ON ANYTHING 'NAUTICAL'. Don't feel bad, I once got taken by 'antique' Tiffany lamp. It was a pretty good fake but fake nonetheless.

Thanks.... I get it, it's a fake. I'm going to grind down the clasp and wrap it in acidic solution. After one year, I'm going to bang on it with a sledge hammer.... we'll see it it looks antique then!
(to be continued)