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WEST SEA COMPANY has been serving the nautical antique needs of institutions and private collectors around the world for over three decades. Begun as a "Mom and Pop" operation in 1975, we still operate under the same ownership, and have continued at our present location for the past 20 years. Some of our more notable customers include the Kendall Whaling Museum, formerly located in Sharon, MA; the New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA; the Mariners Museum, Newport News, VA; The Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC; the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, Philadelphia, PA; Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT; the National Maritime Museum, San Francisco, CA; Disney Productions; America's Cup winner, Dennis Conner; the movie "TITANIC"; the movie "MASTER and COMMANDER"; "PIRATES of the CARIBBEAN". actor Tommy Lee Jones; and even pop singer Billy Joel!
BACKGROUND
The Early Years
With the end of the Vietnam war in 1973, the world saw the greatest number of aging, unfit merchant ships afloat at any time in history. The reasons were threefold. 1973 marked the passing of 30 years since the peak worldwide output of military equipment and ships during the Second World War. 30 years is the average life expectancy of a ship. Secondly, America's massive movement of material into Southeast Asia during the 60s and early 70s relied primarily on older subsidized chartered vessels, viewed as being expendable. The corrosive tropical climate coupled with neglect and lack of maintenance, hastened the demise of these old bottoms. Finally, technology of the 70s had rendered the labor-intensive steam plants of the World War II era obsolete. They were neither practical nor cost effective to run. This fact was exacerbated by the onset of the first OPEC oil embargo in 1973.
The result was a worldwide glut of vessels waiting to be salvaged. International salvaging ports took up the call: Bombay, Pusan, Hong Kong, Brownsville. But the grand daddy of them all was Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which in 1975 scrapped a record 700+ ocean-going vessels -- nearly 2 a day!
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Fully 95% of a salvaged vessel's value is in its steel hull. But pre-1960 vessels contained wood, brass, and glass embodied in instruments, furniture, equipment, and objects d'art the likes of which no modern vessel will ever carry again. It was this mere 5% , the fascinating relics of the sea, that launched WEST SEA COMPANY.
It was a classic example of being in the right place at the right time. Two Naval officers met: one fresh from carrier combat air duty in "Nam" and the other heading the Military Sealift Command (the Navy's version of the "merchant marine") office in Kaohsiung. The result was the formation of White Star Recovery Co., Ltd. named in wistful homage to the greatest potential salvage opportunity of all time -- the RMS TITANIC!
During the next 3 years, with the 2 principals still in the Navy, but devoting more and more of their time to the fledgling business, White Star grew. In 1978 there were two locations, Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California.
Before long it became apparent that our White Star had risen and the business was too big to be continued on a part time basis. Both officers resigned their commissions of 9 years and leapt headlong into the nautical antique business consolidated into a single headquarters in San Diego.
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By the end of the year we were "on the street" selling nautical antiques displayed on and around an old 60 foot tuna boat propped up in a parking lot adjacent to the busiest intersection in the city. "The Lot" as it was fondly referred to, generated more response than ever dreamed possible. It prompted a second "Ugly Old Boats" location in the nearby town of El Cajon.
We entered the 80's with a new name, West Sea Recovery Co., and a new permanent location in San Diego's Gaslamp District. In the next 10 years the business grew and ownership was consolidated to its present form. More and more our focus turned to buying and selling only museum-quality nautical items.
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Now
Late in 1989 we moved to our present location at 2495 Congress Street, San Diego, California 92110 in San Diego's Historic Old Town district. In recognition of the fact that we no longer dealt in ship's salvage, we dropped "Recovery" from our name. Today, 24 years later, we remain WEST SEA COMPANY. Well into the new millennium we celebrate the beginning of our fourth decade in this business!
Now with 34 years of experience and thousands of sales, we think we've got it right. Our pledge is to continue providing YOU, our loyal customer, with the finest quality nautical antiques and art at the very best price anywhere in the world!! We realize the competition is only a mouse click away! Smooth sailing.
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Since moving onto the Internet with this
Website in August of 1998, we have received the following comments
from customers who have ordered from us. These comments were
unsolicited and are quoted verbatim:
John Acres, Las Vegas, Nevada
David Chesanow, Washington State
Frank DeFeo, Jr., Dorothy, New Jersey
Justin S., Las Vegas, Nevada
Mike Mattis, Davis, California
Dale Di Stefano, M.D., Newport Beach, California
Abe Z., Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
"I am pleased to announce that the package arrived here in
Edinburgh. Everything is in first class condition with no breakages
or damage. I must compliment you on your packing once again and the
goods contained therein are of exceptional quality, consistant with
your high standards. Thank you so much for all effort you have put in
to shipping this, both in terms of making sure the packing was right
and in terms of cost. I am very happy with this purchase and would
certainly have no problem recommending Westsea as a first class
company with which anyone can safely do business. I will continue to
visit your web site and hopefully we can do business
again."
Robert Hay, Edinburgh, Scotland
"The package has arrived! I am very pleased. All of the items are
safe and sound and will be sleeping in their new home tonight. They
are exactly how I remembered them to be....and even better now. I
look forward to future business."
Allan K., Kennsington, New Hampshire
"Our shipment arrived last Tuesday in fine condition. Thanks for
your careful packing.
It's wonderful to find a knowledgeable and trusted resource like Westsea. A firm like yours is especially appreciated in today's Internet economy where one rarely knows with whom one is dealing. I'm looking forward viewing your web site every month or so to see what new treasures you are offering."
Bert Sperling, Portland, Oregon
"I received package today. You are to be commended on how well you
package items. It took me 1/2 hour to fully unwrap everything.
Everything came through without a problem. I am very pleased with all
items especially the fantastic scrimshaw dipper. I am impressed with
how well the descriptions of the items in the catalog match up with
the actual piece. No deceptions."
Charles Black, Plymouth, Massachusetts
"Scrimshaw net shuttle arrived today. Am more than satisfied and a
very good price. Definitely a different item and well worth
having."
Bruce Loughlin, Barnsatable, Massachusetts
"Received the baleen ditty box today in perfect condition, and I
am quite pleased with it. It really is a beautiful item! Thank you
again."
Kurt Kohtz, Vpsilanti, Michigan
"The ship's bell arrived yesterday, and just as you said, it is
fantastic!! It was packed very carefully and survived the trip across
country, arriving in perfect condition. It is a wonderful WWII ship's
bell and I could not be happier. The original mounting bracket itself
is a real treasure being very rugged and with a handsome patina. The
bell is of superb construction, still in fantastic condition, and was
made to precise Navy specifications. I certainly appreciate your
efforts. Thanks again!!"
Ronald B. Moser,Captain, USN (Ret.), Woodbridge, Virginia
"Jennifer and I are thrilled with the ship model. It is
spectacular. Not nice...spectacular. I haven't seen one any nicer in
all the years I've been admiring them. The workmanship and detail on
it is beautiful. I greatly appreciate adding this to my collection
and will admire it daily on my Study desk. As its newest custodian,
I'll take great care of it for years to come and may donate it to a
Museum when I pass on. Hopefully that won't be for a very long time.
In the meantime, it will be a great treasure for my family to
enjoy."
Jonathan Blum, Anchorage, Kentucky
"Thank You very much! I opened the package today - You were right:
the boatswain's pipe really is very nice. I will treasure
it."
Frank Suppan, Vienna, Austria
"The post lantern arrived in perfect condition yesterday,
in an excellent packing job. My thanks ... the lantern is magnificent
... your description and assessment of it was right on the mark ...
and you have a very satisfied customer!"
Fred Leech, Dundas, Canada
"Just received the lamp... awesome looking!"
Mike Wright, Ontario, Canada
Parsons Clark, Topsfield, Massachusetts
"I've now had the Tobias for three days, and I do love it. It is
elegant and beautiful, and it keeps essentially perfect time. I am
very, very pleased. It was a pleasure doing business with
you."
Mark de Regt, Redmond, Washington
"I received the Schat Davit ship plaque today. It is superb! Thank
you! It was very nice doing business with you and I hope to do
business with you in the future."
Bob Buseck, Erie, Pennsylvania
"The piece arrived today & looks great! Thank you so
much!!!!!!"
Diane Meftah, Southborough, Massachusetts
"I received the ship's wheel today. WOW! It is absolutely
magnificent. This is the third item I've purchased from you, and each
of them has proven to be even better than the description. I couldn't
be happier. As well, the wheel arrived in perfect condition, thanks
to the excellent packing job."
Travis Porter, Little Rock, Arkansas
"I just wanted to let you know the cabinet has arrived safely
Thank you once again for packing it so well and organising shipping
etc. I am very happy with it."
Grant, Butler, London, England
"I thought I'd send a quick note letting you know that the
telegraph arrived yesterday in good condition and is now displayed
prominently in my home. It's a beautiful piece and,
although it reaffirmed that I'm out of my gourd when I
told her I was purchasing it, the wife is rather impressed as
well!"
Bill Winner, Durango, Colorado
"I received the Midshipman's Journal yesterday and it is simply
fantastic!! I just want to personally thank you for working with me
on this great Journal and sending it to me to review. It is a super
nautical document and the water colors, maps, and charts are
outstanding (just as you indicated)."
Ron Moser, Captain, USN (Ret).Woodbridge,
Virgina
"The modeler has informed me of his good reception of the model,
and sends his compliments on your packing. He also told me it was a
"good buy." Thanks again for the sale."
Richard Jones, Tigard, Oregon.
"WOW, the octant arrived safely today!! Terrific!! An
incredible item in perfekt condition!! Your description was
absolutely correct, it is really an museum piece and I'm highly
pleased with it. Never seen such a beauty before, being more than 200
years old! Normally I'm very cautious purchasing
something in internet without having seen it before, but you got
my confidence. It was the second time, buying something from you and
I'm sure it will not be the last time."
Wolfgang Viermann, Neckargemünd,
Germany
"I wanted to tell you that we gave the Ship Wheel Barometer in
recognition of 45 years of service to a Washington State Ferry
employee today. He was absolutely delighted with the award! Everyone
at the luncheon was very impressed with it as well. The quality of
the barometer, the wood used for the wheel and the fine
craftsmanship of the brass work around the barometer all made for a
very impressive item. Add to that your great customer service and
prompt, well packaged shipping and I'd say it's safe to say that you
have made a customer who will come back to you again and
again."
Burke Long, Washington State Ferries
"I picked up the clock this morning, what a fantastic timepiece. I
shall put it up in my study tomorrow. Once again your service has
been first class. Thank you."
Clive Seymour, Perth, Australia
"The ship's wheel came in last week. My husband loved it! Thank
you."
Cathy Franklin, Harkers Island, North
Carolina
"Just closing the loop. The sextant arrived yesterday in great
shape. It's a wonderful piece in teriffic condition, just as you
described. I'm very pleased. Thanks."
Rear Admiral Mike Sullivan, U.S.N. (Ret.),
Lawrence, Kansas
"The ivory fid arrived safely yesterday. Nicely packed! Thank you
very much, even nicer than I anticipated. And really nice to use as
well. Although it doesn't make it any easier to get a star knot
right!"
Major Eddie Parks, Guernsey, England
"Ifland's book has arrived and as usual I am more than pleased.
Needless to say, I have never been disappointed with any item I have
purchased from West Sea Co. Your background research on all your
items has been very helpful. Keep up the good work."
William Jackle, Franklin, North Carolina
"have just received the quadrant from UPS service, and it has
arrived safe and sound and very well packed. It is a fine example of
the first type of octant that were made. Thank you very much for a
well-managed transaction - I shall be returning from time to time to
your homepage to see what you have got!"
Ivan Tafteberg Aabyhoj, Denmark
"I received the Captain's clock and barometer set this afternoon
and I am absolutely delighted with it. It was exactly as described on
your web site. I must compliment you on your excellent packing and
shipping arrangements. Not only did the instruments arrive safely and
undamaged but I had no customs charges to pay. Many
thanks."
George Railson, Northumberland, England
"I'm very happy to tell you, that I got the Cabin Lamp on Saturday
in best condition. It's really a very nice item, so I'm very pleased
with it!
So thanks again, I'll have a look at your website every day!"
Wolfgang Viermann, Heidelberg, Germany
"The E.O.T. arrived today, and in perfect condition! You were
right, it is even more impressive in person! You packed everything so
well. We are very excited with the purchase and with your personal
attention and West Sea Company in general! It is nice to find quality
items and attention when making a purchase, there is so little of
that these days. Our best to you and hopefully, we'll be finding more
great items on your website soon! Thank you so much!"
Elle Dare, Plymouth, Michigan
"I have received the book you sent and I am very happy with my
purchase. It was a pleasure doing business with you. If you would
like me to leave any customer feedback on your website I would be
more than happy to. Thanks once again."
Horia Gavrilescu, Toronto, Canada
"The whistle is fabulous and I am very glad to have it. As a
matter of fact I bought a piece of nautical antiques on the Internet
for the first time. Your description on an item is very informative
and trustworthy. I look forward to coming across another good one on
your website in the near future."
Hirochika Katayama, Yokosuka, Japan
"I wanted to let you know that the scrimshaw tusks arrived here
safe and sound. I think they are great and am very happy with them.
It was a pleasure doing business and I will watch the web site for
more interesting pieces."
T.S., Sandwich, Massachusetts
"I received your parcel with the book and the pocket drafting set.
You certainly gave a complete and detailed description of the set and
I am very pleased with the purchase. I will not hesitate to contact
you again!"
Lucas Bonsel, Delft, The Netherlands
"My package arrived last week. The item was better then I
expected. I just love it. Thanks so much for holding the item for me,
and keeping me updated and such. I'm saving my pennies for my next
purchase. Thanks again!"
Ann Omodt, Boise, Idaho
"As a client who was about to give a lot of money to a person I'd
never met, for a product I'd never seen in person, I was extremely
cautious and concerned. Further, at the beginning, I didn't know West
Sea Co. had a storefront. The terrific ship's telegraph arrived and
was precisely as described. Further, Rod went to great lengths to be
sure I was comfortable throughout the major purchase, and then packed
it with remarkable care. I couldn't be more satisfied with the
transaction and as a result, naturally, I --highly-- recommend West
Sea Company."
Bill Erickson, Danville, California
"The quadrant arrived safe and sound. It is a beauty as you
indicated. Also thank you for the letter from the museum. I will
continue to visit your website on a regular basis and look forward to
future transactions! Thanks again."
Gerald Lawrie, Houston, Texas
"Just to confirm that the painting arrived this morning. The
packaging was first-rate. I am delighted with it - it will hang
nicely on my lounge wall with the others. My only problem now is that
I may need a larger house to accommodate my
collection!"
David Simpson, Glasgow, Scotland
"The Boat Signal Lamp safely arrived today! Very nice piece! Thank
you! I will be checking your website for new items on
Fridays."
Bert Yankielun, Lebanon, New Hampshire
"Just wanted to let you know the package arrived on time and in
very good shape. The Model 22 was everything you said it would be. It
is beautiful! Many thanks!"
Herbert A. Glaser, Attorney, Washington D.C.
REGARDING CLOCK & BAROMETER SET "I finally unpacked the thing!
After dragging the "dead body" up three flights of stairs, I almost
ran out of steam. Well, they are a sight to behold. I am sure that if
he ever buys us a destroyer, tug or ice breaker - we will have the
proper devices to keep time and pressure! Honestly, I was
overwhelmed. Thanks again for you efforts."
Mary Ellen White, Hong Kong
"I got the Davenport desk today. It arrived in perfect condition.
The desk is a wonderful nautical antique, it looks great in my
library. Thanks for the desk and excellent service. See you next time
I am in San Diego."
Captain Jim Dyson, USNR, Ret., Portsmouth,
Virginia
"All is well and the joy of Linda with her new campaign chest is
great. I was surprised by the solidity and quality of the crate!
Thank you to both of you."
Urs Wenger, Thun, Switzerland
"All is well and we are thrilled with the trunk. Arrived in
perfect shape and looks perfect in the room."
David G., Scarsdale, New York
"I received the painting some time ago and it was opened at last
on Father's Day. It was a great sucess. Thanks for packing it so
carefully. I will most assuredly return to your website for my next
nautical purchase."
Rae Varion, Springfield, Virginia
"I received the gunmount plaques a few days ago and am most
pleased with all the items I purchased from you.
Thanks!"
James Schoenung, Newtown, Pennsylvania
"The chronometer arrived in perfect condition and operates
beautifully. I am very pleased. Thank you for the quick attention to
my order. I am recommending West Sea Company to my family and
friends. Thanks again."
John Ferguson, Sausilito, California
"Just wanted to let you know that the pair of Victorian pictures
arrived safely....I'm extremely happy with my purchase....Thank you
again."
Marilynn Cassese, Lavallette, New Jersey
"I just wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with the item and
how helpful you were, even remembering to put in the history! Thank
you so much. It is a gift and I can't wait to give it. I wish
everything that I bought came with such personal attention and care.
Thanks so much again, I hope to do business with you
again!"
Ellen Piekny, Plymouth, Michigan
"I got It!!!!
Thanks a lot. I still need to look at it in detail but it's as
beautiful as I thought. I'm really excited not only because of the
helmet itself but because everything went so well. I've got to admit
that I was really impressed by the quality of the packaging. I'm
really looking forward to doing more business with
you!"
Javier Gros, Geneva, Switzerland
"The Busk arrived this afternoon. I love it!"
Adrea Thigpen, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
"The telescope arrived yesterday. It is really remarkable to think
this scope is 300 years old. My wife and I are both very pleased.
Thank you very much. You did a great job packing the scope. The
quality of nautical antiques you folks offer is outstanding and the
presentation of the pieces on your website is better than any we have
seen."
Vance Gese, Eagle River, Alaska
"Just to let you know that the book arrived this morning in
perfect condition. Thank you very much -- I am very
pleased!"
Peter Nielsen, Denmark
"Just wanted to let you know that the harpoon arrived safe and
sound. Very pleased with it. As always, great doing business with
you!"
Paul Granger, Succasuna, New Jersey
"The tray has arrived, safe and sound. A beauty. Many thanks. I
shall of course continue to cruise your site over the season. I
always do... it's one of the best on the web!"
Jack Fritsch, Nantucket, Massachusetts
"I was very pleased with both the quality of the items and the
extremely prompt service. Thanks again, Jim."
Jim Gehring, Chicago, Illinois
"Managed to pick the chronometer up on Saturday from the parcel
company depot. Goods arrived in 100% condition with no problems, what
a lovely timepiece. Many thanks for your A-1 service."
Alan Hodds, Norfolk, England
"The Deck Watch needed only a small push and a drip of oil and
is running now perfectly. I found out the production year, that was
1909. The inner case looks so clean and undamaged that I wonder
whether it was renewed recently? For the rest I'm happy to have done
business with you. Thanks for the good service."
Jan Beekelaar, Zevenhoven, The
Netherlands
"We have indeed received the chest. We got it unpacked this weekend
and it is truly beautiful. The shipping was great, very secure.
Thanks so much. It will be much enjoyed and
appreciated."
Cheryl Jones, Germantown, Tennessee
"The integraph arrived last Monday. The instrument seems to be
very rare. The small serial number indicates that only a few of these
integraphs were produced by Coradi. It is a great supplement to my
collection of mathematical instruments. Thank you for this
transaction as well as for the nice email contact and your effort to
complete the deal."
Martin Krebs, Zurich, Switzerland
"Whistle arrived today - absolutely delighted. Many
thanks."
Victor Spencer, Dorset, England
"The chronometer has been de-corked, setup, and made ready for
service. I cannot tell you how much pleasure this quality chronometer
brings me. It is also a marvelous match for the barometer I purchased
previously! Thank you for the care and attention in packaging and
shipment. I trust you, and your company maintain the highest business
ethics found anywhere."
Captain Matt Sutton, Arlington, Virginia
"I just unpacked the ship's barometer a few moments ago. I am
pleased beyond my expectations. You were correct, it is a beauty!
Thank you again for your professional service and quality
merchandise."
Captain Matt Sutton, Arlington, Virginia
"I am quite impressed with the clock. The face is much larger that
I expected, which is a nice surprise. I appreciate conservative
descriptions. Also the dial is in much better condition than the
photo indicated. I hate to tell you but I think if the clock was put
on the block by Christi's it would bring a lot more
money."
Sam Pyeatte, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
"The chronometer and teeth arrived. The teeth are stunning!! Much
more amazing than the photos. Thank you so much!"
Hugh Wheeler, New York City
"Clock arrived -- beautiful -- thank you! Please let me know if
you get anything similar."
Ira Krisnsky, Beverly Hills, California
"Just to let you know the watch arrived safe and sound. I couldn't
be happier."
Paul Anderson, San Francisco, California
"The trucker left the painting yesterday and it is nicer than I
anticipated. Thanks for the excellent packing job, it came through in
great shape. I hope to do business with you again."
John W. Courtland, Atlanta, Georgia
"My shipment arrived safe and sound about an hour ago. I am VERY
PLEASED! Thank you very much and I look forward to doing some more
business in the near future."
Captain John S. Proctor, USN, Manassas,
Virginia
"I'm very pleased to report that UPS got the sextant here.
Everything seems to be in perfect shape -- your packing was great.
I'm truly delighted with it. When you called this "museum quality",
it was no overstatement. I never imagined it would be possible to
find such a beautiful and wonderful instrument outside of a museum. I
also never imagined that I'd buy such a valuable instrument sight
unseen. Your detailed photos and descriptions gave me confidence to
do so, and I haven't been disappointed. I can't find a single flaw
that you had failed to point out before I purchased it. I feel I can
rely fully on your knowledge, judgment, and
integrity."
Captain William D. O'Neil, Falls Church,
Virginia
"Thanks, the TAS is here -- and beautiful ! What an extraordinary
articfact. Once again, thanks for everything."
Alan Cleveland, Manchester, New
Hampshire
"The compass has arrived safely (great packing!). Thank you, it
certainly is a beautiful piece. My husband will just love
it!"
Deborah Irwin, Singapore
"Wanted to let you know that the inclinometer and door knocker
arrived safely on Monday. They're both great, thanks much. Karen said
the picture of the inclinometer didn't do it justice--really a nice
piece of machinery. Thanks again."
Commander Chuck Gaouette, USN, O'Fallon,
Illinois
"Excellent Baro....great
packing....thanks....Mark."
Mark Liptak, Topsfield, Massachusetts
"My compass arrived yesterday and I am very pleased with it. It is
exactly what I was looking for. It is beautiful and in exceptional
condition. I will recommend your company to anyone who is interested
in nautical antiques. If I need to find something else I will most
certainly come back to you. Thank you."
Debbi G., Roseville, California
"The barometer arrived in excellent shape and was well beyond my
expectations."
Dr. Thomas Papreck, Kansas City,
Missouri
"I received the scope yesterday and you were right - it's great.
It's exactly what I imagined having. Again thanks for all your
help."
Thomas Edwards, Walnut Creek, California
"I don't know if it will help or not, but feel free to use me as a
reference to anyone wishing to know what kind of dealer they are
working with. A lot of people are wary in dealing over the Internet
(me included) and a reference from a satisfied customer might
help."
John Badner, Exton, Pennsylvania
"The model is fantastic!"
J. Berten, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
"Just letting you know I received the scrimshaw and it's much
nicer than the picture portrayed. I'm very happy with this
purchase."
Gary Cooper, Fredericksburg, Virginia
"I've been buying nautical antiques from West Sea since 1987. The
pieces I've acquired are museum quality. In fact, a number of them
are now in The Mariners Museum, Newport News, Virginia and are
illustrated in my book, "Taking the Stars, Celestial Navigation from
Argonauts to Astronauts." I've found their descriptions to be
accurate and their prices to be fair. It's been fun doing business
with them."
Peter Ifland, Cincinnati, Ohio
"Man! Oh! Man! The octant just arrived and it is beautiful. I
can't believe I have one. Never even touched one. Only seen them in
museums. Thanks."
David Hartley, Hartley and Edwards Lawyers,
Lillington, North Carolina
"The engine order telegraph is everything you said it was! This is
my first experience at buying over the Internet. I am very
pleased with my purchase. Thank you!!!"
Lawrence Guralnick, Stoneybrook, New
York
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