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WEST SEA COMPANY has been serving the nautical antique needs of institutions and private collectors around the world for 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 17 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"; and even pop singer Billy Joel!
With the end of the Vietnam war in 1973, the world saw the greatest number of aging, unfit merchant ships afloat at any one 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 worth 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. 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 time to their 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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The next year saw us "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. During 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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In 1990 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 we remain WEST SEA COMPANY.
Now well into the new millennium we celebrate our third decade in this business! We look forward to providing YOU our loyal customer, with the finest quality genuine nautical antiques and art at the best price, available anywhere!! Smooth sailing.
Since moving onto the Internet with this
Website in August of 1998, we have received the following unsolicited
comments from customers who have ordered from us. These quotes are
verbatim and used with permission:
"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!"
Locas 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 new 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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