Another piece from the personal collection of Joe Vallejo- this tiller is well done with particularly deep carving and great texture. The eagle's head is beautifully rendered leading to long section of ropework which leads into an illustrated panel with text bearing the yacht's name, the name of her owner, scrollwork and a motto.
Beneath the name of the vessel, MERLIN is the abbreviated name GEOe TRAVn RAYNES above the carving of a hand holding a flower with a long stem and leaves. Below the hand is carved the Latin motto: Esse Quam Videri, which means "To be, rather than to seem to be". This is a well-known quote by Roman philosopher Cicero, a motto for many schools and institutions as well as the state motto of North Carolina.
Though our research has not made an exact match, it is likely George Raynes refers to the Portsmouth, NH shipbuilder of the same name. The tiller's size means it with either made for a yacht or the smaller tender of a larger vessel. There was a sailing vessel by the name of George Raynes, but the size of the tiller as well as the outstanding carving and level of preservation point to this being used aboard a pleasure craft or personal yacht. Its fine condition also leads us to believe that this wasn't used often, perhaps only for ceremonial or special races or sailings and then displayed at other times.
The tiller comes with the brass display brackets as shown in the lead photo, so that it can be hung on the wall.
