Lorrendraaier has a very modest collection of historical objects from the past (in)directly related to the registration of vessels. Pleasure crafts as we now know them are a reasonable modern phenomena, so the pieces are primarily related to registration of ships in general.

You will find an odd ships model here and there, which in nearly all cases are naïve in their composition and may possible be considered as folk-art, to a certain level. Furthermore historical documents, manuscripts and holders of such, like the captain’s tins.

Unclaimed 20th-Century Ship Watercolours by T.B.

Seafaring was not only an exploit — but a muse — inspiring many a doodler and artiste alike to procure their paint and brushes. Though clearly monogrammed, the person who painted these whimsical ship watercolours remains somewhat of a mystery. by Caitlin Greyling Vessels of all shapes and sizes were a common sight in ports [...]

Mysterious 19th Century British Certificates of Registry for a Cutter Named Argus

Two mysterious British Certificates of Registry — partially illegible from wear, if not overzealous cursive — washed up on these foreign shores. Purchased from a dealer in antiquarian books, they both reference a cutter originally named Argus of London, built in Kent on the 17th of March 1813. by Caitlin Greyling The vessel was then [...]

Patriotic 19th-Century Diorama of a Dutch Steamship

Dating from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, this charming steamboat diorama caught my eye. An attractive, naïve piece of folk art, I purchased it online for next to nothing. by Caitlin Greyling & Boudewijn Meijer eBay is the world’s largest second-hand marketplace, right behind Amazon. It also wholly owned and operated the largest [...]

Etching of flags, ca. 1766 Hendrik de Leth

A company specialising in the registration of yachts and workboats simply has to have an early etching of maritime flags on its wall. Is it not? There are a handful of early maritime flag etching examples known. Of which, this 18th-century Vlagge Des Werelts (Flags of the World) is one of the more petite and [...]

A 19th century captains storage tin for documents

Certificate of Registry, ship station licence, insurance papers, skipper licences — there are a number of documents we keep onboard when sailing. Very often, an ugly plastic Ziplock pouch is used to keep them safe from the elements. But plastic was not always the trend — or even an option! by Caitlin Greyling & Boudewijn Meijer [...]

Two 19th century model boats in a glass container

Treaty between Great Britain and the Dutch Republic c. 1700

Ships passport 1710

Captain’s storage tin of the vessel Ernestine

19th Century Mariner’s Certificate