Antiquary & Expert CNES

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Victorian sailor's scroll in engraved blue glass – “Love Be True”

England, late 19th century

A rare and moving object from English maritime folk art, this sailor's roll – or rolling pin – is blown in a magnificent cobalt blue glass and wheel-engraved with the sentimental motto "Love Be True" .

These objects were traditionally given by sailors to their wives or fiancées before going to sea, as a promise of fidelity. Hung in the house, sometimes filled with salt for good luck, they were as much decorative as symbolic.

Unlike the more common wooden scrolls, blown glass models are now rare and highly sought after, especially when they feature such well-preserved original engraving.