Victorian Shell Picture, #2

Most of the known valentines or shell pictures are associated with Barbados. From the 1630s to the turn of the 20th century, Barbados, located at the easternmost point of the British West Indies, was an important English and later American port of call for goods such as sugar, rum, lumber, and fish. In the 19th century, a souvenir culture thrived in response to sailors hoping to bring back mementos of their travels. Since shells were a natural commodity on the islands, they were incorporated into a variety of decorative items--from picture frames to cameo work.
Our beautiful shell picture is crafted of non-endangered shells in a solid mahogany frame. Each one comes with a decorative brass hanger. Start a collection of Sailor's Valentines to create an interesting nautical decor look in any room. Give one to your own special Valentine!

15" H, 2.5" D

SF111

Regular Price $325.00

Your Price $280.00 plus $35.95 S/H (Lower 48 States only!)

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

Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days.

If ordering more than one, second item shipping is $15.95

A Little Information On The Victorian Shell Picture

It is evident that interest in these intricate 19th-century shell-work souvenirs continues to increase. In a relatively short amount of time, sailors' valentines have gained both recognition and status in the world of collecting.

Like our modern original, there is a distinctive group of boxes that offers a variation on the classic type of valentines. These are of exceptional quality, both in the workmanship of the boxes and the intricacies of the shell designs, which incorporate smaller and brighter shells and more complex arrangements. Although still octagonal in shape, they were never made as hinged doubles, only as single valentines. They are covered with a wooden-bordered glass top. Stylistically these valentines seem more modern in design than those dating to the 1840s and 1860s and were probably made between 1870 and 1880.

Our Victorian Shell Picture is crafted of non-endangered shells in a solid mahogany frame with a glass face for protection. Each one comes with a decorative brass hanger. A beautiful addition to your home, or as a gift for that special person in your life!

If you would like to see the other of the same series as the Victorian Shell Picture, please click here!

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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!