This 19th century wood carving was most likely made as part of the sign for a ship's chanderly. The bearded sailor stands atop a carved ship's capstan, wearing a sailor's uniform including kerchief and straw hat. The figure's hand is extended and probably once held a harpoon or some other representative piece of marine hardware.

Authentic nautical carving's such as this are considered quite rare and represent a unique piece of memorabilia from the days when the world's harbors were filled with chanderlies, sail-makers and other craftsmen whose daily work supported the great sailing fleets.