February 13, 2013
Sailor’s Valentines: A gift of Love
Jane Austen's brothers, Francis and Charles, often sailed in the East Indies. Is it possible that one of them might have brought back a 'Sailor's Valentine' for his sweetheart or wife? It is thought that by 1820, the craze for these treasures had reached a peak that would last through the Victorian era.Let's start this look at Sailor’s Valentines with a poem;The distant climes may us divideto think on you shall be my prideThe Winds and Waves may prove unkindIn me no change you’ll ever find.A magic spell will bind us fastAnd make me love you to the lastLet Cupid then your heart inclineto take me for your Valentine!

The sailor tost in stormy seas,
Though fir his bark may roam
Still hears a voice in every breeze
That wakens thoughts of home
He thinks upon his distant friends
His wife, his humble cot
And from his inmost heart ascends
the prayer-Forget me not.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SAILORS VALENTINES
Seashell collecting became popular by the early 1800s, especially in England and America. By the mid-1800s, sea shells were brought back from the Caribbean to Europe and America for use in home display cases. This interest in shell collecting may have later inspired the idea of the sailor's valentine, and the intricate shell display cases influenced the busy designs of these affordable souvenirs of sea voyages.
Research has discounted the long-held belief that these were made by sailors themselves as shipboard diversion. Several facts point to the West Indies, and particularly Barbados, as an origin for sailor's valentines. The West Indies had enjoyed close economic ties with England and America since colonial times. Barbados, easternmost of the British West Indies, was an important port of call for ships engaged in trade among the islands. The most windward of the Caribbean islands, Barbados was visited by merchant seamen, whalemen, and yachtsmen alike, who arrived for a variety of reasons, including trading, reprovisioning, and touring the island. Visitors who wanted to remember the island by bringing a tangible reminder of Barbados home with them could easily find objects made on the island.
In the book Sailors' Valentines by John Fondas, he concludes that the primary source for sailors' valentines was the New Curiosity Shop, located in McGregor Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, a popular shop where sailors would purchase souvenirs. The shop was owned by the English brothers B.H. and George Belgrave. Decorative shellwork was at its height in the 1820s, and the Belgraves' shop was sought out for its locally crafted shell designs in eight-sided boxes, similar to those that encased ship's compasses. Purchased typically by seamen for loved ones back home, these pieces were soon dubbed sailors' valentines.
A sailor's valentine is made of one, or, more often, a hinged pair of octagonal wooden display cases lined with fabric. Small shells, seeds, or other materials are glued to the fabric, usually forming a colorful design. The name "sailor's valentine" comes from the fact that there is usually a sentimental phrase, such as "Forget Me Not," "With Love," or other sayings that we use on Valentine's Day. The shape is thought to come from old compass cases carried aboard sailing ships.

"It 's wonderful to see the resurgence and appreciation of this old art form inspired by the aesthetic beauty of shells, gifts from the sea for us all," stated Dinnick. Judy lived in the Bahamas for many years where she first became acquainted with Sailor's Valentines. After being involved in many aspects of the decorative arts for many years, Judy now devotes all of her time to creating Sailor's Valentines.
"I also do shell stars, hearts, and roundels incorporating bubble glass, reminiscent of Victorian times. I like to paint miniature oil paintings for the centers of my designs. A table I have done features a 19th century painted ivory. I do scrimshaw on ivory and sometimes carve little ivory fish to add interest to my valentines. Often I line the inside walls of the box with silk or place my shell flowers on a silk cushion....Creating valentines is a fascinating and challenging craft ; a labor of love to all of us who do them."
Included in the parlor set of the newest American Girl Doll, Caroline Abbott (1812), is tiny replica of a Sailor's Valentine. Vintage valentines and newly made replicas can also be found in a variety of antique markets and online retailers.
Joe Elder is President and co-owner of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery located in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. He writes a number of blogs about nautical antiques, marine art and coastal living and is also the co-author of the soon to be released young adult novel The Legend of Hornigold's Treasure.
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