Lot #34: 1952 Hong Kong “Seafarer’s Licence” Vintage Maritime Novelty Certificate – Gingle’s

Funny vintage 1952 Hong Kong “Seafarer’s Licence” novelty certificate, issued to A. Renshaw and dated May 14, 1952. This wonderfully tongue-in-cheek certificate declares its recipient a “First-class Seafaring Man and Veteran among all Old Timers,” citing his experience weathering “Typhoons, Monsoons, Cyclones and Gales on all rugged seas of Alcoholic Beverages,” knowledge of bars and saloon keepers around the world, and qualification as “Chief Navigator” aboard any ship using beer, stout, ale, whisky, rum or other alcoholic liquors shipped to China. Decoratively printed with an elaborate blue dragon border, Chinese characters, junks, lighthouse and ship illustrations, and the Gingle’s Hong Kong emblem. Numbered G No. 1601 and signed/dated in 1952. Presented in its older blue-painted wooden frame, measuring approximately 15” wide x 13” high. Certificate shows substantial age-related toning, creasing, wrinkles and general wear. Frame has numerous chips, scratches and finish loss. Reverse shows aged backing materials and hanging wire. Please see photos for condition. A fantastic piece of mid-century Hong Kong barroom, maritime and travel ephemera with loads of character and humour. CC Pickup category timeslot {A}