Vintage 1983 Nautical Calligraphy and Illustration

Vintage 1983 Nautical Calligraphy & Illustration: "Index of Boats & Designers" by Vincent Castello

Item #: 4061

Perfect for the maritime collector or sailing enthusiast, this charming piece of nautical history features beautifully hand-lettered calligraphy detailing an "Index of Boats & Designers." Signed "Berry '83" (attributed to Vincent Castello), this framed artwork serves as a fascinating reference guide to classic sailboats and America's leading naval architects.

The artwork is elegantly bordered with maritime motifs, featuring a fleet of sailboats across the top, various hull designs along the bottom, and a colorful array of nautical pennants and burgees flanking the sides. The central text explains that it indexes precise, 1/2-inch to 1-foot scale half-hull models carved from solid basswood. The meticulously penned list includes legendary boat designs—such as Dorade, Finisterre, and Sea Fever—paired with iconic naval architects like Sparkman & Stephens, Philip L. Rhodes, and McCurdy & Rhodes.

Item Details

• Artist/Creator: Vincent Castello (Signed "Berry, '83")

• Year: 1983

• Subject: Nautical index, classic sailboats, naval architects, and maritime flags

• Medium: Appears to be ink calligraphy and watercolor/wash illustrations

Dimensions

• Frame Size: 13 ½” W x 21” H

• Picture Size (Visible Artwork): 12” W x 19 ½” H

Condition Note

This piece is housed in a simple, natural wood frame under glass. Please note: The artwork exhibits visible signs of age, including noticeable water staining and foxing (brown discoloration) primarily along the top and bottom margins of the paper. Please review the images carefully to assess the vintage character and condition of the piece.