Vintage Steel Porthole Cover | 12″

This vintage steel porthole cover came off a ship during dismantling. Crews used covers like this to protect porthole glass during rough seas and storms. When conditions improved, they either propped the cover open or removed it.

You can reattach this piece to a porthole or use it as a standalone item. It also works well as a wall-mounted display in a nautical space.

The cover shows its original condition. Because of this, you can leave it as-is or use it as a restoration project.

Features:

• Vintage steel porthole cover
• Originally used to protect porthole glass
• Removed during ship dismantling
• Can be reused or displayed as décor
• Suitable for restoration or as-is use

History:

The term “porthole” does not come from the port side of a ship. Instead, it dates back to 1485 during the reign of Henry VII of England. At that time, ships needed larger cannons. To solve this, shipbuilder James Baker cut openings into the hull so crews could mount the guns inside.

When crews did not use the cannons, or when rough weather hit, they closed these openings with hinged covers. The French word “porte,” which means door, described these covers. Over time, English sailors shortened the word to “port,” and they began using “porthole” for any opening on a ship.

We have uploaded a video to show you how to hang a porthole mirror – click here to check it out! Don’t forget to come back to our site though!