Nautical Ephemera - Old Coco de Mer Basket with carving from the Seychelles, Indian Ocean, ca. 1920-30 - with a handle to carry, in good condition with minor scuffs and light age signs, shows the original shiny, smouth finish and patina. Dimensions of the basket are 28 x 25 cm (11 x 10 in) and it is 13 cm (5 inch) high - Special Price (incl s&h): EUR 298 (convert to Swiss Francs, Pounds or other currency)

Note: In the Middle Age and until the 19th Century is was believed that this Nut was growing on a mysterious Underwater Tree and harvested by Sea Nymphs. In the Middle Age Coco de Mer were stored in the "Miracle Cabinets" of Kings. Later they was also given to the Sea Captain or Owner of the Ship as a sign of honor when sailors found one in the Sea. After the Seychelles were invented 1743 it came only slowly to light that this biggest nut of the world is growing at two remote Islands at land on Palm Trees which grow extremely slow and can have an age of up to 900 years. A true Sailors item with a nice Myth.
Vintage Coco de Mer Pen Basket
Seychelles, ca. 1925
Available for Europe only * offered subject to prior sale by: Karsten Buchholz KG Hamburg, Germany *

 

Provenance: Captain Burroughs in Kent, used in his library to deposit his drawing pens - Summary: This is an attractive and unusual addition to any International Collection of Marine Art and Maritime Antiques and could either be placed in a collector`s show case or - for example - on a chest or other piece of furniture. A nice conversation piece to talk about antique Sailors Art, Maritime Art or the Legend of the Coco de Mer.

Vintage Coco de Mer basket
Vintage Coco de Mer Basket - from the Seychelles, Indian Ocean ca. 1925 - previously used in the library room of Captain Burroughs in Kent as a storage basket for drawing pens - Photo Copyright is with us

Following are shown some more photos of the item:

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The polished backside is quite pleasant to display as well. Some collectors think this view remembers of the backside of a young, exotic woman. Photos have been taken at sunlight. This item is ready for display. See following the size compared with a box of matches:

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This offer includes expert packing in a wooden box, all necessary papers, shipping by GLS Germany to your door and insurance. This offer is valid for EU Europe only. Estimated shipping time within Europe is one week (including packing). For easy payment we accept credit cards (VISA and M/C) and can provide a secure server for transmission of your data. Payment is also possible by bank transfer. For an order we need the following information:

1) your street address (no POB) and daytime phone / 2) how you want to pay and 3) when the item should be send (you will have to sign for it when receiving it)

Any questions are welcome, please send your e-mail to: bais(at)gmx.de - This description has been written by Mr. Karsten Buchholz. We are also available at the phone at no. 0049-4104-694710 or in Germany at 04104-694710. Please note that an order can only be placed by email to avoid mistakes with the address. As always, this offer is subject to prior sale.