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Porthole, S.S. Central America [159111]

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Shipwreck Artifacts Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 150,000.00 USD
Porthole, S.S. Central America [159111]
SOLD
18,500.00USD+ (3,700.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2023 Mar 04 @ 12:57UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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Large porthole recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck debris field. This porthole was found intact on the seafloor about 15 to 20 meters off the port side and astern of the shipwreck. Passenger portholes from the ship were "deadlights" that are smaller and did not open, since they were lower on the hull and needed to stay watertight. Since this one is larger and could open to provide ventilation, it is supposed that this was mounted in Captain Herndon's quarters athwart the mainmast and facing the aft weather deck. The frame of the porthole is made of brass, and the mounting fixture is made of soft, malleable lead to give it a better seal.

This is the original porthole from Captain Herndon's topside cabin. This is a single round porthole. Approximately 75 pounds, white metal encased, double hinged, double "dogs" (locking levers), approximate 20" diameter inside an approximate 26" white metal frame, approximate 1" thick glass. The Captain's porthole significantly differs from the other portholes on the SSCA. It was from the Captain's quarters, the only room well above the waterline with a porthole, thus it could be opened for fresh air. The other portholes were closer to the waterline, and were much smaller and permanently sealed. Passenger reports of these portholes were that their frames were rusted out and painted over. The porthole was found in the port side debris field, aft of the ship. It is the only such porthole found on the shipwreck anywhere. Herndon's quarters were at the stern aft, looking out onto the weather deck, where there first and second cabin passengers could mill around and visit during calm seas. The porthole was recovered intact and undamaged from the ocean floor during the 1991 season, brought to the surface by Nemo and stored in a secure warehouse in Columbus, Ohio, until 2020.

Provenance: SS Central America Collection