Business Details
38 Years
experience
Nautical Antiques & Collectibles in Dartmouth
Established in 1988, Bonds Nautical Antiques has become a trusted name in the specialist field of maritime antiques and collectables. Our founder David, a former Royal Navy Clearance Diver with over 20 years' service, brings unparalleled expertise gained through decades of hands-on experience in diving and nautical heritage. Since 1988, we have operated as a family business alongside our daughter Suze, combining deep technical knowledge with a passion for preserving maritime history. Our inventory spans centuries, featuring rare items from naval memorabilia to diving equipment, sourced through David's extensive network and personal diving career. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service, whether assisting with specialist valuations, sourcing unique pieces, or providing detailed historical context for each item.Our commitment to authenticity is underpinned by David's firsthand experience as a Royal Navy diver and his ongoing engagement with the maritime community. We welcome both seasoned collectors and casual enthusiasts, offering expert guidance on acquisitions ranging from decorative items to historically significant artifacts. Our physical store in Dartmouth showcases a curated selection of items, while our online platform provides global access to our extensive collection. With a reputation built on integrity and expertise, we continue to serve clients worldwide, offering secure delivery options and specialist advice on handling valuable or fragile items. Our dedication to preserving maritime heritage remains central to our operations, ensuring each piece we offer carries its authentic story forward.
Services
Nautical Antiques
Diving Equipment
Naval Memorabilia
Maritime Instruments
Antique Lighting
Historical Collectables
Delivery Services
Valuation Advice
Online Sales
Specialist Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Established in 1988 by former Royal Navy Clearance Diver David Bond
- Specialist knowledge from 22 years of naval diving experience
- Family-run business offering personal expert guidance
- Extensive inventory spanning centuries of maritime history
- Secure global delivery for valuable or fragile items
Services
Nautical Antiques
Specialist dealing in authentic maritime antiques including naval memorabilia, diving equipment, and nautical instruments. Our collection spans centuries, featuring items from Royal Navy relics to historical navigation tools. Each piece comes with detailed provenance and expert authentication.
Diving Equipment
Vintage diving apparatus including helmets, boots, and tools from renowned manufacturers like Siebe Gorman. Our inventory features both restored and original condition items, catering to collectors and museums seeking historically accurate equipment.
Naval Memorabilia
Comprehensive range of naval artifacts including ship components, ceremonial items, and personal effects from Royal Navy personnel. We specialise in pieces with documented service history and battlefield provenance.
Maritime Instruments
Precision nautical instruments including sextants, barographs, and ships clocks. Our collection features working examples from renowned makers, accompanied by condition reports and historical context.
Delivery Services
Secure transportation solutions for valuable or fragile items worldwide. We provide specialist packaging, insurance options, and handling advice for large or delicate antiques, ensuring safe delivery to any location.
People
David Bond
Founder
Former Royal Navy Clearance Diver with 22 years' service, specialising in underwater recovery operations. Established the business in 1988 leveraging naval expertise to authenticate and source maritime antiques.
Suze Bond
Co-owner
Joint operator of the family business since 1988, managing day-to-day operations and customer relations. Combines business management expertise with inherited knowledge of maritime history.
Questions
What types of nautical antiques do you specialise in?
We focus on maritime history items including diving equipment, naval memorabilia, navigation instruments, and ship fittings from the 17th century to modern era.
Can you help source specific maritime items?
Yes, we offer specialist consultation and can assist with locating specific pieces through our extensive industry contacts and inventory.
Do you provide authentication for purchased items?
All items come with detailed provenance documentation and expert verification of authenticity.
What delivery options are available?
We offer insured shipping worldwide with specialist handling for valuable or fragile items.
Are items available for viewing in person?
Yes, our Dartmouth store holds a curated selection. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Reviews (2)
Samantha Moss
Sep 28, 2021
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I ordered an item online and the customer service provided by David was second to none. He was thorough and went above and beyond my expectations to ensure I received the item in good time. Genuine, honest and excellent service that you see less and less these days. My faith in humanity is restored!
Andrew Sparks
May 27, 2018
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A superb antique shop.... very nice obliging people, great stock and not expensive. Highly recommended, well worth a visit.