As part of its fall sales, Witherell’s will auction an extremely large collection of nautical antiques of one collector September 23 to October 7, 2015.

An international businessman who travelled the world for 20 years, the retiree now is selling more than 600 lots—from shipping and cruise lines to military vessels—to make room for new interests.

In addition to being extensive, the collection also is extremely diverse, featuring display ships, actual ship’s clocks and equipment as well as advertising and memorabilia such as postcards and brochures.

“It’s a popular area of collecting,” said Brian Witherell, “Antiques Roadshow” appraiser and Witherell’s chief operating officer. “Because people with ocean and river-front properties like to decorate these second homes in marine themes, we expect the auction will attract a broad spectrum of interest.”

The collection dates from the nineteenth century to World War II and the Korean conflict.

One of many clocks in the collection, a brass Chelsea Clock from 1910 to 1914, with “Boston, U.S.A.” and “U.S. Life-Saving Service” No. 827 on the dial, is worth $1000 to $2000.

A presentation box for the "SS Esso Bayonne" christening that was launched on July 24, 1937 is one of many promotional materials that are offered.

The mahogany presentation box contains a wrapped champagne bottle with cordage, banners and a carved presentation plaque and is estimated at $200 to $400.

Valued at $50 to $300, display ships ranging from 9 to 30 inches high and made of various woods, fabric and rope, also will be part of this lifetime’s collection when it goes on the block.

A nineteenth century ship’s cast-iron binnacle with dolphin legs and a round, brass mounting plate that would have stood in front of the helmsman is one of the early items in the sale.

Built to hold a ship’s magnetic compass and standing 24.5" high, it is a find at $100 to $200.

Founded in 1969, Witherell’s does appraisals and auctions of objects of value—from decorative arts and design to antiques and fine art.

Witherell’s places items globally through private sales, online auctions and the annual Witherell’s Old West Antiques Show in May.

For more information, visit www.witherells.com.