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ID #SA1129945
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Early 19thc Sailor’s Valentine Sea Shell Diorama
Sold by Branching Out Antiques
sold SA1129945
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques

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Early 19thc Sailor’s Valentine Sea Shell Diorama

19th century
Sold 22 March 2025 · Branching Out Antiques
This “Early 19thc Sailor’s Valentine Sea Shell Diorama” found a buyer.

It was listed by Branching Out Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Victorian Shell Art Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A marvellous little shellwork composition in its original case, made by French salt workers or sailors at the beginning of the 19th Century.

With general wear to the case but so original!

The shell work intact.

Height 24cm. Width 19.3cm

Date of Manufacture

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Antique Sailors Valentine to the Regency era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
19.3cm (7.60")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1129945
Description
A marvellous little shellwork composition in its original case, made by French salt workers or sailors at the beginning of the 19th Century.

With general wear to the case but so original!

The shell work intact.

Height 24cm. Width 19.3cm

Date of Manufacture

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Antique Sailors Valentine to the Regency era.

Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
19.3cm (7.60")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1129945
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2022

Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Branching Out Antiques Profile Page

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An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 5
Archive I An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Early 19thc Sailor’s Valentine Sea Shell Diorama

Archive II An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame. View II
Archive III An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame. View III
Archive IV An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame. View IV
Archive V An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques
Telephone 07742 117815
Location
Kent
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified Since Apr 2022
Items For Sale 82
Items Sold 392
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified
Apr 2022
For Sale
82
Sold
392
An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame.
EARLY 19THc SAILOR’S VALENTINE SEA SHELL DIORAMA
Ref: SA1129945
An antique maritime sailors valentine featuring a detailed sea shell mosaic diorama inside an octagonal wooden frame.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDiorama
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMaritime Folk Art
  • MaterialSea shells, wood, glass, adhesive
  • ColourMulti-coloured
  • MotifsGeometric shell patterns, Central figure motif, Octagonal framing
  • SizeH 24 cm (9 in) x W 19.3 cm (8 in)

FAQs

A sailors valentine is a traditional type of intricate shell mosaic or diorama created during the 19th century, traditionally crafted by indigenous artisans in Barbados and brought home by sailors as keepsakes for loved ones.

These pieces are typically constructed using an octagonal wooden box or frame, glazed with glass, and filled with thousands of tiny, natural sea shells meticulously arranged in geometric, floral, or pictorial patterns using adhesive.

Authentic pieces generally feature hand-carved wooden boxes with period hinges, aged glass with imperfections, naturally varied unpainted sea shells embedded in historical wax or putty, and signs of genuine age-related oxidisation.

This piece can be mounted on a wall or displayed on a specialist stand within a study, drawing room, or hallway, paired with neutral backdrops to highlight the intricate natural texture and historical colour palette of the shells.

Preservation requires keeping the artwork out of direct sunlight to prevent shell fading and adhesive degradation, maintaining stable indoor humidity levels, and gently dusting the exterior glass with a dry microfibre cloth.
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