Steady as She Goes-Ship's Captain Gift-Handmade Metal Balance Model

Steady as She Goes is a handmade metal ship's captain in his yellow sou'wester and blue trousers, hands firmly on the wheel, guiding her through the swell. Balanced on a hidden counterweight painted like the water below, the whole figure rocks gently at the lightest touch before settling back to rest.

Each piece is cut, shaped, assembled and hand-painted in a traditional blacksmith's workshop, in the spirit of the painted tinplate balancing toys of the Victorian and Edwardian nursery. Made in small batches, so no two are exactly the same, the little differences in the brushwork are the mark of proper handmade work.

A brilliant gift for ship's captains, skippers, yacht owners, harbour masters, coastguards, Navy veterans, or anyone who's spent a lifetime with one hand on the wheel. Just as good as a retirement, leaving or thank-you present for the boss, chairman, headmaster or club commodore stepping down after years at the helm, "Steady as she goes" being the perfect phrase to see them off with. Sits well on a mantelpiece, study desk, boardroom shelf, harbourside kitchen or holiday home. A memorable birthday, Father's Day, retirement or leaving gift with real seafaring character.

Pairs beautifully with Seaside Sailor, Row Your Boat, Cox & the Crew, Driftwood Journey and Tideman's Tilt for a matching maritime set.

Metal Balance Model-Product Details and Features

• Style: Victoriana Folk Art / Nautical Balancing Sculpture
• Material: Hand-hammered metal, hand-painted finish
• Movement: Counterbalanced rocking motion (no batteries or electricity required)
• Ideal For: Ship's captain and skipper gifts, yacht and boat owner presents, Navy and Merchant Navy veterans, harbourmaster and coastguard gifts, retirement and leaving presents, boss and chairman gifts, gifts for him, folk art collectors
• Overall height: Approx. 52cm (20in)
• Weight: 1.1kg (2.4lb)

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Wine bottle shown for scale (30cm, 12 inches tall)
Note: Bottle not included