About Us

There is no store to visit. We operate out of office and storage spaces. Long ago, we were warned that if we intended to restrict our inventory to authentic items from seagoing vessels, we would spend as much time finding things to sell as we would spend selling them. Long store hours wouldn't give the needed latitude.

MARTIFACTS doesn't restore its authentic collectibles unless absolutely necessary--and then we tell you what we did. Our customers say they prefer to do their own restoration, so we guarantee minimal alteration. For gifts, polishing, refinishing or servicing can be arranged at additional charge.

Please look over our items. Our United States Navy section has grown with USN items, often from identifiable Navy ships.

The S.S. United States section has shrunk, reflecting a diminishing inventory with no source of resupply.

Over the years, we have seen that the available authentic marine artifacts are not necessarily the kerosene running lights that one imagines an old oilskin clad, gray-bearded mariner lighting at dusk.

Although the artifacts may be newer, they are all authentic, and have all been to sea and saved from the cutter's torch. If they happen to be antique - fine, but our principal concern is authenticity. If we know, we include the name and basic characteristics of the ship which served as the source of the various artifacts. If the articles are made of brass or copper, most have been cleaned and polished prior to shipment. Other articles are sent in a clean condition.

We offer brass or other items that are highly suited for home or office decors. For some commercial interests, such as seafood restaurant decor, painted galvanized articles, fish net, etc., which are equally authentic and more economical, are available.

Most nautical items are from scrapped merchant vessels and if you don't see what you are looking for--please contact us. Inventory constantly shifts and our network of experts and specialized collectors often have hard-to-find items.

Interested in how we got started in this unique field? Come look at our history...

© Copyright, 2005

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