19th Century Carved and Painted Ship’s Billethead

19th Century Carved and Painted Ship’s Billethead, second half 19th Century, a scroll carved and painted wooden ornament from the bow of a ship.

A billethead was a smaller carving used in place of a figurehead, mounted under the bowsprit of a ship. As the 19th Century progressed and the age of clipper ships saw a move towards ever more extreme clipper bows, there was a need to eliminate unnecessary weight aboard ship, especially in the bow (to avoid burying the nose into every wave), so billet heads became increasing popular. They were also much less expensive to order from the shipyard, an additional appeal to the ship owners. Economy eventually ruled and such ornamentation was eventually done away with altogether (except in a nearly miniature version on Friendship Sloops).

The present billethead was from a small ship, likely a schooner (judging by its size). It is in original condition and paint, and remains to lovely, remarkable condition. At some time in the past It was professionally mounted on a hardwood and marble stand.

Measures: 8-3/4 in H x 17-1/4 in L x 4-3/4 in W
Mounted: 17-1/2 in H x 17-1/4 in L x 10-1/4 in W