Sailors Folk Art Giant Macrame Picture Frame

VINTAGE SAILORS' FOLK ART GIANT MACRAMÉ PICTURE FRAME

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.

Knots consist of turks heads

Half hitches, zig zag stitches,

Herringbone, square knots,

Additional knotwork

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.

Clipper Ship Nightingale print.

Looking down from the top of the frame

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING & PACKING: Due to the size and weight of this item, the cost of shipping, packing, and insurance to your destination must be calculated as an additional charge. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL 'NO NONSENSE” GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

This macramé frame is in the classic style of the American sailing ship era of the 1860's.