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#Porthole mirrors windows
Some portholes include a cover-plate that can be closed over the glass to prevent the entry of light if occupants are trying to sleep, or provide additional protection against storms than the glass alone.Īlthough the term “porthole” has a nautical origin, it has gone on to find use in military armored vehicles, aircraft, automobiles (such as the round windows of some Ford Thunderbird models) and even spacecraft from capsules to shuttles to space-stations. These create a water-tight and air-tight seal between the rings. If the inner ring is swung closed it may then be tightened into place with one or more rotating, threaded screws (known as “dogs”) built into the outer ring that clamp through brackets of the inner. When the inner ring is swung open, both light and air may pass freely into the hull for the comfort of the occupants. Attached to this is a plate of window-glass fitted into a second, inner ring which is hinged to the outer ring so that it can swing open and closed. The first is a larger, outer ring which it attached directly to the interior hull of the ship and surrounds the opening it is to serve. A basic porthole consists of two main parts.
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Its round shape is strong, like an arch in engineering design, and not only preserves the structural integrity of the hull into which the opening is cut but also allows the window to better resist the pressures of wind and waves that might assail it. Attached to the inside of a ship’s hull, the porthole is more than just a simple window. The solution to the problem was the development of the porthole. Ship builders throughout the ages have faced the same dilemma … how could they admit light and fresh air to the lower cabins and holds of a ship for the benefit of sailors and passengers, but keep out water and stormy seas that might swamp and sink a ship? Materials include solid metal and wood mounting bases to light-weight aluminum or resin for purely décor purposes, and with finishes ranging from lustrous polished brass to weather-worn tarnish to antiquing and even the rusted appearance of a shipwreck salvage, our portholes are certain to match any nautical décor tone or theme. From true window-portholes to mirrors, clocks and other devices housed in porthole frames, we appeal to every need. Handcrafted Nautical Décor is pleased to offer portholes of many designs and purposes to nautical décor enthusiasts. A uniquely nautical item, the porthole is not only an iconic feature of ships from freighters to ocean liners to battleships, but is a welcome window to light and fresh air outside the cabin for every sailor or passenger. We have a wide variety of colorful portholes available so that you can choose the perfect one for your home.įew items more strongly evoke the image of shipboard life than the humble porthole. From elegant porthole mirrors and port hole windows to handsome brass port hole clocks, and ship wheel clocks Handcrafted Nautical Decor offers the perfect portholes for any occasion.
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Similarly, placing one in your home informs your guests that your are a lover of all things nautical. Portholes are icons of the sea-faring life, and their presence on cruise ships inform passengers that they are, indeed, on an ocean going vessel.
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