Antique ships portholes come in many different shapes and sizes but they all have the same function, they were fitted to the superstructure of ships to allow light and ventilation to penetrate the enclosed spaces of a vessel. Portholes are also known as scuttles, but the name porthole comes from the French word "Porte" meaning door or opening. Opening portholes have a "backplate" which is bolted or riveted to the ship and a hinged opening glazed door which is clamped shut by "dogs". Some potholes are also fitted with a second hinged solid door called a "deadlight". Fixed or non opening portholes were usually fitted near the waterline so they cannot be opened.  Opening glass and brass door with twin dog clamps, with galvanised steel back 38 cm / 15 inch max diameter, 25 cm / 10 inch glass. £89 Click image to enlarge  Made from bronze with opening door and bronze deadlight. Removed from a ROYAL NAVAL M.T.B 27 cm / 10.5 inch max diameter, 15 cm /6 inch glass. £120 Click image to enlarge  Antique ships porthole / scuttle Brass opening door with double dog clamps. Removed from the Icebreaker ship VEGA
40 cm / 17 inch max diameter, 30 cm / 12 inch glass SOLD
Click image to enlarge  An opening brass ships bridge window. SOLD Click image to enlarge |