Description
Back in the 1970's, in Ft. Lauderdale, I began acquiring marine antiques; when that city was a seafaring town; not the disgusting metropolis it is today. This is a handsome old sailing ships block. Sides or cheeks are probably oak, very hard. The center is brass, which was polished before all was sanded and varnished.the block has one chipped piece near the rope that should be sanded and varnished.the . The base was a block of driftwood bored by Teredo or shipworms I picked up on Ft.Lauderdale beach, varnished it, which stabilized it, as it is soft; probably pine. The bottom was never varnished, but should be, then new felt added.It was well made and securely fastened, with a hole drilled for the cord in the base. Holes were drilled in the base to insert the rope, but they need to be reinserted and glued; best done after varnishing; unless you varnish the rope. Use Marine Spar Varnish. This sat on my desk for decades; the light works well. In the last year, it was it was stored in a building that had termites; They have eaten a spots of the pine near bottom edge., but have not touched the block itself. If you do not want a lamp, block could be easily removed. Last photos show base after termite damage. I put it in a deep freeze for a month, termites are long gone, but there damage must be dealt with, I suggest either use a polyurethane on base ,sand and revarnish, showing rough surface, or get a block of oak, make a new base and revarnish.it was in a freezer a month, so all organisms are gone, but you need to buy a good shade (shade is not included), and enjoy it 40 years as I have. it is ideal for the front desk in a nautical restaurant, or your personal desk.Any advice as to block maker's name and date is appreciated. I now live in Sebring Florida, with no salt air; so it's time to pass it on..I have other marine and 19th century antiques. (Look on the Books,Literature,Art section of my eBay store). You may inquire 1954JAGUARS , or 1954JAGPART . I ship Standard post or Fedex in the US, or Priority mail out of the US.. Overseas rate is an ESTIMATE, and may Not be correct. Please give me your fulladdress for exact shipping cost. Thank you, James Dean
