Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor
Celebrating 25 years in business as of January 2025 - thank you!
Countdown to retirement (May 31, 2025):


2202 Ship Mechanic Row - Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 539-5469 -
PiecesOfShip@yahoo.com
Store Hours*:
Thursday 10-5
Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-5
Sunday 11-4
*closed Easter Sunday 4/31
*Closed April 4- April 7 (4/4 - 4/7)

*closed June 27-30th & July 4-5th

NEW ARRIVALS: Watch this space for updates when shipments come in; join our email list to receive an email when they
do.  All items in our inventory are hand-picked on our annual
buying trips to the ship breaking yards each November!
FINAL SHIPMENT ARRIVAL: March20, 2024 (CLICK HERE): 40' container of tropical decor, reclaimed boatwood furniture, hand carved figureheads, etc...
ARRIVED: December 20, 2023: shipment of solid brass, new production hooks; use interior, exterior, in the boathouse or on the dock!
ARRIVED: November 1, 2023:
40' container of
tropical decor, reclaimed boatwood furniture, hand carved figureheads, etc...


ABOUT US:
W
elcome to Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor, the premier supplier of ship salvage and decor. We've been in business for over 24 years and carry authentic ship salvage that includes bells, binnacles, buoys, compasses, code / courtesy / signal flags, original glass fishing net floats, liferings, brass / copper / galvanized navigational running lights and lanterns, oars, rope, sextants, engine order telegraphs (EOTs), ship wheels and much more.  In addition, we carry new (not salvaged) tropical decor including hand sculpted wood figureheads and carved sea creatures as well as furniture and accessories made from reclaimed boat hulls and boat wood.

We spend a month (November) each year abroad searching ship breaking yards and chandleries of Asia and the Near East, rummaging and hand selecting every piece of our inventory.
 

Our storefront is located in the Strand Mechanic Historic District of downtown Galveston, Texas. (We're a short 40 minute drive south of Houston) Store hours are Thursday - Sunday.  We are closed every November, when we embark on our annual buying trip.  Due to our busy travel schedule, we encourage anyone to call and confirm hours in advance if planning a visit (note scheduled upcoming closings highlighted at the top of this page).

If you would like to join our mailing list which informs you of when/what is coming in our next shipment, please click here!

Thanks for visiting,
Michael and Adrienne Culpepper
PiecesOfShip@yahoo.com
(409) 539-5469
2202 Mechanic Street
Galveston, TX 77550

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
and Policies:


1. Do you ship within the U.S.? 
Yes! We are happy to provide this service to our customers within the U.S.  All shipments (US mail, UPS, LTL freight) are shipped out Monday so orders finalized with us before 4pm Sunday almost always ship out the next day.

As a
courtesy, we do not charge for labor or handling.  Shipping costs vary based on each item's unique packaged dimensions, weight and shipping destination and everything is packaged in-house to keep costs to customers as low as possible.  For any shipping cost concerns or inquiries, UPS.com offers a free cost estimating tool; we post dimensions and weight in the description under almost every "available" item and our shipping zip is 77550.

We do not offer returns or exchanges on any items shipped.

Sorry, we do not offer shipping options outside of the U.S. We can ship to a freight forwarder of a customer's choosing but cannot insure or guarantee items shipped to a destination beyond the one we originate.


2. What condition should I expect my salvaged piece to come in? 

All salvage we buy and sell is in what we call “good salvaged condition,” unless otherwise specified under that item's image.

This means that the piece was used aboard a working vessel, was removed and reconditioned before we display it at our shop. No salvaged items should be expected to be free from flaws or blemishes; in fact we think those are what gives each piece its own unique character and story. We do try to accurately describe and picture any “less than typical” instances from piece to piece.


3. How do I buy something I see that shows “available”?

Easily! Just call (409.539.5469) the shop during business hours (Th-Sun); we accept most major credit cards over the phone.  This website is updated daily so quantities and availability you see listed under the picture are accurate.  Items that are not listed as "available" in highlighted text have been sold out.

4. Can you research, value or appraise my piece?

Sorry, we do not offer research, informal valuations or appraisal services.  This is typically a fee-based service that you can seek out from a formal appraiser which is worth the investment if you feel you have a piece with a high value. For those looking for an informal, general idea of value, there are a number of "express style" appraisal sites online that offer a limited service estimation for as little as $20 (check out Consumer Reports' take on it here).

Don't see a question you think we should address here?  Email us suggestions at PiecesOfShip@yahoo.com...