Dutch Gable Stones

Abstract

In the early 17 Century the citizens of Holland used the outer front gable stones of their homes to establish their place in society.  This was especially so with seafarers and notably owners of merchant shipping.  The decorations used were their Coats of Arms,  dates,  but more importantly carvings of their ships. These carvings indicate the type and size of ship that sailed from a port but most importantly gave a reasonable indication of the hull shape, rigging and armament which could then be linked to the date on the stone. This was especially important because at that time  much was changing in hull shape and rigging especially that of the mizzen mast and bowsprit.

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Filed under: North Sea | Other (Early Modern)
Subjects include: Shipbuilding & Design