Salty Dog

One of the least liked and heaviest jobs of the Sailing Age was for the sailor to row out the ship's anchor and place it in position. Sometimes several anchors were needed to make for a safe and secure berth. This rowing sailor seems to carry a light load, at least he makes that impression. Hand made and hand painted in sheet metal. The anchor line is made of twisted metal wire.

My mom has one of these Salty Dog Balance Toys and her Border Collie, Maddie is endlessly fascinated by the old salt's rowing action. She will sit and look quizzically at it as long as it's moving.

Crafted of metal and hand painted with a distressed finish. Each one comes with a numbered metal tag confirming that these are made in limited numbers. Start a collection of nautical Balance Toys. Use the wallmounts or floorstands to create an interesting nautical decor look in any room.

17.75" tall

TM036

Regular Price $100.00

Your Price $80.00 plus $11.95 S/H (U.S. and Canada only!)

INTERNATIONAL SHOPPERS: Please contact us BEFORE purchasing, for shipping prices to your location!

If ordering more than one, second item shipping is $5.95

A Little Salty Dog Information

The expression "Salty Dog" dates back, of course, to the days of square-rigger sailing ships. An older sailor with a lifetime of experience aboard ship, well-versed in the skills of seamanship is often referred to as an "old salt" and also described as "crusty" (which is usually just a euphemism for "cranky"). "Salt" has been used as a synonym for "experienced sailor" since the mid-1800s by allusion to salt water and the salt spray which covers everything aboard ship.

"Salty dog" and "old salt" are pretty much interchangeable, referring to a veteran and often aging sailor. "Salty dog" is probably based on another term, "sea dog," again meaning a sailor with years of experience. The term "sea-dog," I am told, originally was applied to the seals sailors often encountered. You can understand that when you hear those old sea dogs barking!

Our Salty Dog balance toy is completely hand made from recycled metal, hand forged and painted. Each piece is hand waxed in the final stage to give it that warm and subtle shine. Colorful and whimsical nautical decor. A beautiful addition to your home, or as a gift!

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Nautical Decor such as Books, Model Boats, Balance Toys, Nautical Notecards, Marine Art, Oregon Coast Photos, Nautical Flower Planters, Sailor's Valentines...and more!