Post #425329 by bigbrotiki on Mon, Dec 22, 2008 7:15 PM

Back to the nautical aspects of the Kirsten family history:

Here is a very contemplative underwater video of the MS Valeria, built in 1958, (I was 3 then). It sank in 1982 near the port of Rijeka in Croatia. It had been re-christened "El Hawi" by then, and was owned by a Saudi company. Apparently it sank because it was way overloaded with ceramic tiles !!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVPu_HSoUWA

Here is a model of the Valeria in 1958:

This baby is about 4 feet long! These elaborate models were built by the ship yard company for display in the ship owner's office. Here is a beautiful example of the first Valeria from 1937 ( a steamship still):

The detail and craftsmanship on these is amazing, most of them ended up in maritime museums. Wouldn't mind having a family one in my Tiki lounge! :) The plaque talks about the Kirsten Line being called the "Shakespeare Fleet" because of the names...

Also wish I had a fitting Captain's cap:

Or a set of this tableware:

Sigh, collectibles...

Almost forgot this matchbook:

[ Edited by: bigbrotiki 2008-12-22 19:19 ]