NEW Nautical Designed Belts for Men and Women- and a Few Classics Too!

Get hooked on our solid brass fish hook belt buckle in two sizes. 

NEW for 2013!  Look sharp with our polished solid brass fish hook buckle (now available in two sizes) or pair it up with one of our premium leather snap belts. The brass fish hook belt buckle are available in 3 1/2" or 2 1/4" (total length) and 1 3/4" wide (inside dimension). Our brass fish hook buckles retail for $24.95 and our leather strap belts retail for $24.95.  Follow the link here to our brass fish hook belts buckles.

Fish hook belt buckle available in two sizes.

Our selection of leather strap belts ( 1 1/2" wide). Choose between our classic black or dark-brown or with a distressed crackled-black or tan finish. Belts available in sizes: Small: (31” -33”) Medium: (34” - 36”) Large: (37” - 39”) X. Large: (40” – 42”) 

Our nautical brass belt buckles are securely held in place by three snaps and can be easily unsnapped to accommodate other belt buckles. You can easily interchange your buckles for a different look when you want it. 

Leather snap-belt finishes at Skipjack.

The sea turtle swims gracefully through shimmering blue seas...strong, determined, effortlessly navigate, always finds it's way home. This NEW ribbon belt design celebrates the wonderful world of sea turtles and is a great addition to your coastal, beach wardrobe. Features full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. It's also MADE IN THE USA! Available at Skipjack nautical Wares for $26.95!  Follow the link here to our sea turtle belt.

Sea turtle ribbon belt with leather billet.

This beautiful cast brass starfish belt buckle is an elegant accessory for your coastal wardrobe. Fits any 1 1/2 inch snap belt.  Perfect for nights out on the town and a great accessory to your beach-coastal wardrobe.  This bronzed highlighted buckle retails for $45.00. You can also choose from our collection of leather snap-belts is black and brown finishes. Retail price $24.95.  Follow the link here to cast brass starfish belt buckle.

Cast brass starfish belt buckle with bronze accents.
A great addition to your beach-coastal wardrobe.

Don't get caught without  our best selling nautical code signal flags belt...the perfect accouterments for khakis, jeans, or corduroys and of course to wear with your favorite worn cargo shorts too! This cotton web ribbon belt for all seasons has full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. This belt is available with your choice of white, red or navy webbing as a background to the signal flag ribbon. MADE IN THE USA! Retails for $26.95.

Skipjack's best-selling nautical code signal flag belt available now in
three webbing colors.  Best nautical-themed belt on the market!

Skipjack's sailor Macramé braided web belt in natural line is available in four different colors, each created with full grain leather belt ends and solid brass buckles. A great nautical belt for men, women and children too! All belts are 1 ¼” wide. MADE IN THE USA!

Skipjack's sailor macrame' belt is available in four thread colors.

Take a look at our full nautical apparel collection by visiting Skipjack's webstore. Follow the link here to preview our complete nautical apparel department. 

COMING SOON

Skipjack's relaxed fit classic pique polo shirts for men and women.

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery Celebrates 10 years in Hampton Roads and Beyond

Skupjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery riverfront showroom
is located in Olde towne Portsmouth, VA.

By Toi wilson
Portsmouth Virginia Department of Economic Development


Portsmouth is a seaport town where maritime history and traditions created a way of life.  Today, homeowners and boaters look to recreate the days of nautical living through home décor, art, and apparel. Customers throughout Hampton Roads, and as far away as New Zealand, have discovered authentic nautical antiques and furnishings, original marine art, and handcrafted nautical accessories at Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery here in Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Skipjack's Chelsea Room features authentic nautical antiques and marine art.

Custom made grate table.

Skipjack Nautical Wares, celebrating 10 years in business this month, is located at One High Street in historic Downtown Portsmouth.  A decade ago, owners Alison and Joe Elder set sail on a journey to merge their passions for boating and uncovering history with their business management experience to create a specialty store that offers a range of nautical-themed merchandise.  The furniture and home décor is constructed using recycled or re-purposed materials, also known as Eco Furniture.

Nautical Chart Lampshade.

The Skipjack design studio utilizes many shipboard items that are removed from retired ships in foreign and domestic shipyards as well as natural materials, such as locally found driftwood, in addition to boards and vintage fishermen's materials to produce one-of-a-kind coastal living pieces. Artwork and handmade gifts are mostly the work of local craftsmen, such as the Salt Water Bath Co. soaps made in Hampton, Virginia and the Monkey’s Fist Rope Knot furniture knobs (an interior decorator’s favorite) produced here in Olde Towne.  The nautical lampshades are constructed in the Skipjack Design Center using only the highest quality materials, including authentic NOAA nautical charts featuring locations from the Chesapeake Bay region.


Over the past ten years, the Elders have grown their store from a local, specialty boutique into an international business.  They attribute their success to being resilient, flexible, and persistent.  Initially, Skipjack was located in an area that did not meet the needs of the business.  In 2005, the Elder’s changed course and moved to Portsmouth.  In 2008, a fire destroyed their store and their residence.  The business realigned and made headway to its current location on the Portsmouth waterfront.

Skipjack Nautical Wares High Street location,
 Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA.

A dedicated web presence (online store, blogs, social media, information sources) has supported the brick-and-mortar operation.  Joe advises that a constant web presence and marketing are essential components for running a retail business.  Allison’s advice for new entrepreneurs is to remember to have patience and be flexible to market trends.  It takes time to establish a customer base, and as markets change, businesses should be prepared to make adjustments to stay the course.

The next time you are in Portsmouth or surfing the web, be sure to visit Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery where you can find a tribute to our seaport City’s origins and a collection of the best in coastal living.

Toi Wilson is a respresentative for the City of Portsmouth,Virginia Department of Economic Development. She writes monthly articles featuring Portsmouth's people, places and things as part of the departments Enewsletter.

SKIPJACK'S ONCE-A-DECADE SALE!

ONCE-A-DECADE SALE! Skipjack Nautical Wares turns 10 this year! We have packed a lot into the last decade including three showroom locations, miscellaneous hurricanes, lightning strikes, earthquakes and floods, not to mention one famous fire. To celebrate our first decade we are having a STORE-WIDE once-in-a-decade sale starting this Saturday and running through the end of February. If you are new to Skipjack, take note, sales here are very rare (we can't remember the last one)! EVERYTHING* in the store is at least 20% off ! Check out our Anniversary Sale category online (top of the category column on the left) or stop by the showroom for additional items on special markdowns up to 50%! Items will be added to this sale over the next week, so stop by the showroom or webstore often! Check out some of our impressive deals: Stainless or brass marlinspikes 30% off ! Skipjack long-sleeve T's, hoodies and crew sweatshirts 30% off ! Mariner Rope Bracelets 35% off ! 4-inch or 2-inch brass cleats 40% off ! Here are just a few of the special PORTSMOUTH SHOWROOM ONLY savings: Lifeboat oars, reg. $125, SALE $75, a savings of 40% Country flags, reg. $15, SALE $9.95, a savings of 33% All nautical books 30% off ! *Okay, ALMOST everything. Jack the shop dog is not for sale at any price. Sale does not apply to purchases prior to February 16 or custom orders. Sale prices limited to in stock items only. Orders must be paid in full by February 28 to qualify. Online the 20% discount will show up at checkout. Online items for sale at greater than 20% off will show the discount in the product description (not again at check out). New! Just in! Aluminum Passage Lights (new) Brass Cargo Table Lamp Schooner Bluenose Ship in Bottle by Thomas Applegate Check out our other New! Just in! items SHOWROOM ALERT ! The Portsmouth showroom will be CLOSED on Thursday, February 21, 2013. The webstore will remain open 24/7 with most shipping as usual. Remember, the Postsmouth showroom is operating on winter hours from January through April: Tuesday-Saturday - 10am - 5pm Additional times by chance or appointment Joe & Alison Elder Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery One High Street, Suite 3 Portsmouth, Virginia 23704 (757) 399-5012 www.SkipjackNauticalWares.com January-April HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday - 10am - 5pm Closed Feb. 21 Additional times by chance or appointment

F. Persky & Company- The Beginning of the Perko Story

Full view of the Persky & Co anchor lantern. Today the company is known as PERKO.

The PERKO Story consists of many interesting pieces. They make up a modern day marine hardware success story that goes back over 100 years! This is the first sentence from the Perko story, the history of the famous American marine lighting company as taken from their website. I had known enough about the Perko story to turn to it while researching this recently discoverd lantern and the article was the source that validated it's maker. So, this blog is in part about the Perko companies beginnings and is demonstrated by an example of one of the first marine lanterns produced by this famous marine hardware company.

Name of PERSKY & CO., AJAX , NEW YORK, U.S.A. on hourglass shaped globe.

This early example is of one of their first anchor lanterns produced when the company was created by F. Persky & Company, New York, lantern makers in the early 1900's. The company was in operation for about a dozen years until 1913 when Frederick became president of National Marine Lamp Company. This Company name was established prior to Frederick Persky changing his last name to Perkins! (See history below).

Side-open view of the Persky lantern.

This unique lantern was manufactured using galvanized metal with brass chimney cap and 'Christmas tree' vents and ring handle and two tie-down rings on each side and five vertical wire guards. Fixed 'hourglass' shaped molded colorless globe with embossed letters stating "PERSKY & CO. AJAX. NEW YORK, U.S.A.". According to a PERKO representative, they believe that the name 'AJAX' was the name of the company that produced the glass globe. Measures 10 3/4" tall, exclusive of the ring bail handle, 4 1/4 inches diameter of base. Slight scaling on exterior of the metal surface, but overall, this lantern survives in good original condition. Missing burner.

Top section and brass chimney cap of Persky & Co. anchor lantern.

History (The Perko Story)

The story starts with Frederick Persky, who later became known as Frederick Perkins. He was a Russian immigrant who was schooled in Germany as a machinist and tool-and-die maker. Frederick came to the United States in the early 1890's and soon became employed as a machinist for E.W. Bliss & Company in Brooklyn, New York. In the early 1900's, he and a partner began operating a business, F. Persky & Company, Lantern Manufacturer, out of the basement of his house.

In 1907, Frederick's son Louis joined him in the business, and together they enlarged both the product line and the manufacturing facilities. By 1912, they had seventeen employees and made a wide range of marine lanterns and products.

The business continued operating until 1913 when Frederick became president of National Marine Lamp Company, based out of Forestville, Connecticut. Frederick and Louis left that company in 1916 and moved back to Brooklyn, New York, where they started Perkins Marine Lamp Corporation.

Anchor lantern manufactured by the National Marine Lamp Co., Forestville, Ct.

Five generations later, PERKO is still a privately owned, family operated corporation, which is unusual in today's marketplace. Perkins Marine Corporation was initially known as Perkins Marine Lamp, Inc. The original focus was on the manufacture of hand formed sheet metal products for the marine market. The first catalog was published in 1916, with a product line as diverse for its time as PERKO's catalog is today.

Anchor lantern manufactured by Perkins Marine Lamp Co.,  Brooklyn, New York

It included a full range of kerosene and electric lanterns for small and large boats, ventilators, chart cases, signaling devices, mooring buoys, pumps and a variety of spare parts. These products, fabricated from brass, copper and galvanized sheet metal, began what was our ongoing reputation for producing high quality products. We still do some hand forming and soldering today, much as it was done in our early years.
In 1922, the "PERKO" trademark was instituted. Each new product (and there were many) utilized the latest, sophisticated metal manufacturing technology and customers came to expect the highest standard of excellence from PERKO products.

Two other examples, one identical to the one in this blog, the other manufactured in brass was in the Phillip Sullivan Collection of Lanterns, recently auctioned off by the Jeffry S. Evan & Associates, Mt. Crawford, Virginia.

The Persky & Co. AJAX anchor lantern is currently available at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. Follow the link above to the product listing on their webstore.

Spectacular Battleship Size 48-Star American Flag

Massive 48 star US ensign laid out in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares.

It's a wonder what one might find digging around at local antiques and flea markets. And that is what we encountered this last Saturday at the Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market here in Portsmouth, Virginia. Held the first Saturday of each month, the Olde Towne Portsmouth event is always full of interesting items, from the typical yard sale flea type finds to the most unexpected treasures. Last year, I discovered and purchased a Philadelphia windsor bowback side chair, branded with the name of the maker, John Letchworth (1759-1843). His shop was located on Third Street between Chestnut and Walnut (1784) and he actually made chairs for Thomas Jefferson and used at Monticello. More on this in a later blog.

A view above the flag. Magnificent!

This time we discovered an extremely large pile of wool bunting stuck in the corner of the vendors booth that appeared to be the colors and design of an American flag. Upon closer inspection, we knew it was more than that, it was a major find. I asked the owner what he knew about it. He responded by saying that they had just purchased it and it came out of a house accross the river in Norfolk, VA. The flag had been stored away for longer than the previous owner could remember, but recounted that it once was flown above a battleship during WWII. Unfortuately, he did not know the battleships name. This is not unusual. Other accounts of battleships decommissioned and deaccessed flags were sometimes removed in order to maintain secrecy.

I continued and asked him how large was the flag and the condition....obviously way to big to unfold and inspect in it's current location. He responded, "Well, it's about 20 feet by 30 feet or thereabouts and is definitely worn. To big for anyone to hang on their walls".
After not much consideration, Alison paid them for it and I hauled it out to our car. Damn heavy; that's a lot of flag to carry and a lot of history too!

Alison measures the  height of the flag.

Later that day, with the help of a few of our friends, we unmatted the pile of flag and stretch her out in front of our store. We reviewed the condition of our find- yes, definitely some rips and tears, typical of the damage inflicted on a ships flag due to weather and/or battle conditions. We found the flag makers tag sewn on to the heavy canvas heading. The tag stated:  "HIGH GRADE, REG. U.S. PAT. OFF., BUNTING, -ALL WOOL-, THE BEST SINCE 1847'. This was the label used on U.S. government and military flags made by Annin & Company, New York, a major producer of high quality flags and the maker of this one as well. The massive 48-Star US national ensign flag, measured  20' x 38' in size and according to the presidents standardized sizing for flags created in 1912, this is flag size #1, the largest of US ensigns produced. Annin & Co. named this size flag "ABRUS".

The sewn on tag by Annin & Co., New York.

Folding up the flag for safe storage.

A 1926 advertisement fot Annin & Co., New York.

USS Iowa commissioning ceremony. The flag is similar to the one in this blog.

This flag was a great discovery and I would rank it up there with some of our greatest we've uncovered to date. Not so much as a valuable item, monetarily wise, but such a major symbol of our nation, potentially flown during major naval battles and rising above all others as the symbol of freedom that so many have laid down their lives defending it. Semper Fi!

Here is the link on Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries page on our webstore. We will also consider donating it to the right foundation or museum if the right opportunity arrives.  We have also included here a link to the Zaricor flag collection, a national treasure presentation of American ensigns, jacks, flags  & pennants.

Maritime Lantern- Manufactured by Barbier, Benard and Turenne, Makers of Lighthouse Fresnel Lens

Post or Anchor lantern made by Barbier, Benard & Turenne, Paris France.

A recent discovery by our firm, this exceptional post or anchor lantern was produced by the French manufacturer Barbier, Benard & Turenne, Paris France. What makes this lantern so exceptional is that Barbier, Benars & Turenne, also known as BBT was a major manufacturer of the Fresnel lens that light up numerous of the lighthouses found along our countries coastlines. Notice the lighthouse styling of this exceptional maritime light- reminiscent of the

LANTERN DESCRIPTION

Manufacturers nameplate for
Barbier, Benard & Turenne. 

This fine brass lantern stands 14 1/2 inches tall and features a thick, 360 degree glass Fresnel type lens that survives without cracks or chips, protected by 6 heavy gauge cast brass guards. The upper body of the lantern is designed with a ball style chimney with a series of cylindrical vents on the bottom edge. The lower body measures 4 1/4 inches tall from the bottom to the upper lip and would house the lantern burner. The manufacturers plate is positioned on the front side and states in embossed letters "ANCIENS ETACLISSEMENTS, BARBIER, BENARD & TURENNI- USINES (82, AUC CURIAL, PARIS-19; BLANC-MISSERON) (NORD)


Translated- OLD INSTITUTIONS, BARBIER, BENARD & TURENNI FACTORY (82, AUC CURIAL, PARIS-19; Blanc-Misseron) (NORTH) which is the manufacturers name and Paris address of production. The number 82116 is also engraved below and a series of cylindrical air vents in between.  The diameter of the lamp measures 5 1/2 inches. For more information on this lantern, follow the link here to the listing on Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery.

Post or Anchor lantern made by Barbier, Benard & Turenne, Paris France,
 Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

MANUFACTURER HISTORY
The Company Barbier, Benard and Turenne, abbreviated BBT is a company founded in 1862 , specialized in the manufacture of headlights, the optical devices and lighting systems. Leader in the field of global flagship in the late 19th century, the company has diversified in the twentieth century, but was dissolved in 1982.

Fresnel lens produced by Barbier, Benard & Turenne
for the Sabine Bank Lighthouse,  Sabine River, Texas.

The company was founded in 1862 by Frédéric Barbier and Stanislas Fenestre under the name "Barber and Fenestre." She then called "Barber and Co." in 1887 and "Barbier and Benard" from 1889, and is in the early twentieth century to its final name "Barbier, Benard and Turenne." It became a public limited company in 1919. Production "Barbier, Benard and Turenne" or "BBT" began to specialize in the production of optical systems for lights , according to the system of Fresnel lense. The company then expanded its production, from farther away in the equipment headlights. In addition to its lens, it extends its first production at various rotation mechanisms, including weight and rotating tank on mercury . Then, it produces more buoys, steel towers, mermaids mist.  BBT thus comes to be able to construct the lighthouses in their entirety, including the tower, optical instruments and all necessary equipment. It becomes "known throughout the world". It is a world leader in the construction of lighthouses in the late 19th century. In 1923, the company developed the "gas BBT" which bears his name. This gas provides improvements in compression quality gas lighting and security.


LOCATIONS
The workshops are primarily located in Paris, close to the Ourcq canal. BBT then retains its headquarters in Paris, factories being located in Nazelles (Indre-et-Loire) and White-Misseron (North).

Sabine River Lighthouse, Texas

Top section of the Sabine River lighthouse tower and lantern room 

The Sabine River Lighthouse is one that houses a Fresnel lens produced by Barbier, Benard & Turenne.  Follow the link here for more information about the  Sabine River Lighthouse.

THE SKIPJACK MARINER NAUTICAL BRACELET- NOW AVAILABLE IN THREE NEW COLORS

The Skipjack Mariner bracelet is now available in three great NEW colors, royal blue, orange and neon green.

Add a splash of color to your wardrobe with Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet for men, women or children... the perfect accessory for your coastal lifestyle, now available in three NEW great nautical colors, royal blue, orange, and neon green!  Skipjack's affordable nautical bracelet features a reef knot tied with durable nylon cord with a rust proof shackle, making it easy to get on and off. Choose between a stainless steel shackle in two different sizes or a solid brass shackle. The Skipjack mariner bracelet is perfect for boaters, surfers, beach goers or anyone that enjoys being in or around the water- quick drying nylon and stainless steel shackle won't rust! Bracelets are available with small (7/8" long) or large (1-1/8" long) shackles.

The Mariner Nautical bracelet hand-tied in navy blue nylon and stainless steel shackle clasp.

Bracelets are sold by their actual length to the half inch. For best fit measure the diameter of your wrist with a cloth measuring tape or wrap a piece of string around your wrist and then measure the length of the string against a ruler. We have found most people select a bracelet 1" - 1-1/2" larger than their wrist size.

The Skipjack Mariner bracelet shown in red, pink and white.

Choose between stainless steel or solid brass shackle.

Please call or email for sizes smaller or larger than listed. You can call us at (757) 399-5012 during store hours, Monday-Saturday  10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm or Email us at skipjacknauticalwares@gmail.com.  The Mariner bracelet  will easily ship in a Small Flat Rate box by USPS Priority Mail in the USA for approximately $5.25!  Follow this link here to Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet. Order one today...it makes a great gift for the nautical enthusiast too! We recommend that you also preview Skipjack's complete line of nautical themed apparel and island inspired jewelry.