Frame
33 1/4″ x 29 1/4″ x 2” Center opening
12 1/2“ x 8 3/4“ Weight 22 1/2 lbs
Presented is a very rare work of sailors’ Folk
Art that carries on the flavor of the Sailing Ship Era of the 1860’s when seaman spent their off hours expressing their professional
and artistic talent, and pride in their workmanship. These took the form of fancy ropework, scrimshaw, and carving examples
which are highly sought after today. Spending long weeks, even months on the high seas, these mariners turned to the ropes
and cords available on their sailing vessels to help them pass the long hours. The articles they made were used to decorate
their living quarters and to give as gifts at their various ports of call. The art of fancy ropework has come down through
the ages and may have had its origin in China, but it was practiced by sailors worldwide. With a finish coating of varnish
mellowed with age, this outstanding example is larger than most and makes a dramatic statement as a wall hanging.
Art that carries on the flavor of the Sailing Ship Era of the 1860’s when seaman spent their off hours expressing their professional
and artistic talent, and pride in their workmanship. These took the form of fancy ropework, scrimshaw, and carving examples
which are highly sought after today. Spending long weeks, even months on the high seas, these mariners turned to the ropes
and cords available on their sailing vessels to help them pass the long hours. The articles they made were used to decorate
their living quarters and to give as gifts at their various ports of call. The art of fancy ropework has come down through
the ages and may have had its origin in China, but it was practiced by sailors worldwide. With a finish coating of varnish
mellowed with age, this outstanding example is larger than most and makes a dramatic statement as a wall hanging.
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CONSTRUCTION: The knot work is mounted on 3/8 inch plywood and is likely glued in place,
and also held with brads. The back of the frame is covered with canvas duck that is tacked in place. There is a photograph
of the USS Albany, CG 10, after her conversion to a guided missile cruiser in November, 1962, sandwiched under a piece of
clear plastic in the center opening. We have placed a print of the Clipper ship Nightingale over it as discussed below.PROVENANCE:
We are uncertain as to the origin of this work. There is a photograph of the USS Albany underneath the print of the Clipper
ship Nightingale which was added to celebrate the pinnacle of this design and type work. There also is a brass plate indicating
that the frame was the property of James C. Head, Chief Boatswains Mate, U.S. Navy who served from 8 November 1941 until 1
November 1965 which will accompany the frame. The frame is constructed in such a way as to not come apart so that the photograph
of the Albany, after her conversion was completed in 1962, would indicate that 1962 was the earliest it was made, and likely
aboard this ship.
and also held with brads. The back of the frame is covered with canvas duck that is tacked in place. There is a photograph
of the USS Albany, CG 10, after her conversion to a guided missile cruiser in November, 1962, sandwiched under a piece of
clear plastic in the center opening. We have placed a print of the Clipper ship Nightingale over it as discussed below.PROVENANCE:
We are uncertain as to the origin of this work. There is a photograph of the USS Albany underneath the print of the Clipper
ship Nightingale which was added to celebrate the pinnacle of this design and type work. There also is a brass plate indicating
that the frame was the property of James C. Head, Chief Boatswains Mate, U.S. Navy who served from 8 November 1941 until 1
November 1965 which will accompany the frame. The frame is constructed in such a way as to not come apart so that the photograph
of the Albany, after her conversion was completed in 1962, would indicate that 1962 was the earliest it was made, and likely
aboard this ship.
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Clipper Ship Nightingale print.
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