Whaling and Marine Memorabilia at Rafael Osona Auctions

In 1659, English settlers arrived on the island of Nantucket. They hoped to earn a living through farming and shepherding. They soon noticed that every autumn, whales surrounded the island until spring. From 1690 until around 1840, Nantucket was known as the top whaling port in America. However, as Nantucket’s population dwindled in the 19^th century, whaling also decreased. Rafael Osona Auctions will offer a nostalgic view of the Nantucket whaling community with its upcoming Whaling and Marine Memorabilia auction.

Highlighted in the sale is a Nantucket whalebone, cherry wood, and whale ivory birdcage made by Joseph Clapp around 1870. The birdcage is constructed with a pegged, mortise, and tenon dome top, a cherry wood frame, whalebone dowels, and a hinged access door. Each top corner features a whale ivory ball-in-cup decoration. 

Another item showcased is a 19^th-century mahogany and brass ship’s wheel produced by John Hastie & Co. Ltd, a steering gear manufacturer from Greenock, Scotland. The 36-inch wheel features eight mahogany spokes and handles with support rails. The brass hub is inscribed ‘John Hastie & Co Ltd. Greenock.’ To view the entire auction catalog and register to bid, visit Bidsquare.