Authentic Ships’ Helms

Big Ship Salvage has owned a number of salvaged wooden and/or brass ship wheels over the years of working in this industry. Whether it’s a small vintage wooden ferry ship’s wheel or it’s a gigantic iron steamship’s wheel, we’ve seen it all. These items are rare to come by but sometimes we’re able to find an entire steering station instead of just the wheel – which is always a treat.

We don’t always have ship’s wheels in stock, but we wanted to create this page for you to look at our previous stock and to add your contact information so that we can let you know when we have more. Start browsing our current stock of ship helms below:


Ship Wheels in Stock Today

  • AS Svendborg Skibsværft Brass Steering Stationside view of svendborg steering station

    Item #

    H4-04

    Price:

    $3,500.00
  • Item #

    H4-43

    Price:

    $425.00
  • Item #

    H4-43A

    Price:

    $425.00
  • Item #

    H4-43B

    Price:

    $400.00
  • Original Wood Ship wheel nautical

    Item #

    H4-43D

    Price:

    $425.00
  • 43 Weathered Ferryboat Ship's Wheel full view43 Weathered Ferryboat Ship's Wheel

    Item #

    H4-44

    Price:

    $425.00

Decorating with Authentic Ship Helms

With the popularity of coastal or nautical décor, authentic ship wheels are becoming increasingly rare. Whether you’re looking for large, cast-iron, antique ship wheels or small, antique, wooden ship wheels, nautical antiques are in demand and hard to find. That’s why Big Ship Salvage is always on the lookout for antique ship wheels to complement your maritime décor.

Original salvaged ship helms can be fascinating conversation starters as well as beautiful pieces of nautical art. These antique items are often attached to a pedestal or gear stand and are sure to provide a touch of class for your home or office. Add a nautical flair, vintage décor, and warmth to your coastal-style space with nautical antiques such as brass, iron, or wooden maritime wheels.
Our favorite places to see authentic ship wheels include:

  • Beach or lake properties that are home to boat lovers
  • Nautical restaurants dedicated to the theme
  • Office spaces that want a desired look
  • Collector rooms that feature memorabilia
  • Boats that need a bit of additional decoration

Different Types of Ship’s Wheel and the Different Materials Used

Nautical helms come in multiple materials and sizes. Since they were made for life on the open seas or the Great Lakes, vintage ship wheels are almost always made from durable materials that have weathered beautifully. Some ships’ wheels are crafted from solid wood with intricate carvings or with brass fittings. The wood on authentic wooden ship wheels gives them a warm glow that you could never get from a reproduction piece.

Other antique ship wheels are created from solid and robust metals, including brass, cast iron, or steel. Brass ship wheels’ durability and timeless nature make them last for years, looking fresh and attractive.

Our authentic ship wheels are in vintage condition, meaning that they may have slight imperfections from their previous life on a working boat or ship. However, we at Big Ship Salvage feel that that just adds to their charm as a decorative piece. Be sure to pair your ship helms with authentic nautical sconces, ship bells, and other antique nautical décor for a truly beautiful maritime look!

Shopping for Antique Ship Wheels

The team at Big Ship Salvage wants you to find the vintage ship wheel that suits
your preferences and space. Below, we have a collection of ships’ helms we have sold in the past. Be sure to browse these authentic ship wheels and take note of any ones you like! If we do not have anything currently in stock that caters to your needs, documenting a different style and notifying us gives us the opportunity to reach out to you when we get something similar in stock.
Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee it will be the same of course, because each wheel is unique, but that is ultimately what makes them so special! So, what are you waiting for? Get browsing so that you can find the one-of-a-kind ship helm that is going to fit seamlessly into your unique space.

Ship Wheels We’ve Sold Previously

Are You Looking for Salvaged Ship Wheels?

As you can tell, it’s difficult to find a vintage ship’s wheel or steering station these days. Every time that we get our hands on one, a customer comes in and purchases it almost immediately! If you’re in search of a salvaged or decorative ship’s wheel, please fill out this short contact form and describe what you’re looking for.


The section above shows some of the ship wheels that we’ve sold in the past – you can use that to help describe the wheel you are searching for. If you have questions about our authentic ship wheels or other products, be sure to contact us today!

Check us out on Pinterest for more nautical ideas! We’re always posting our new arrivals, as well as pinning any creative nautical décor project we see online.