I enjoy walking along the river or pond with my husband and dog. We sometimes happen upon a partly submerged log with three or four turtles sunning themselves all in a row. If we are quiet enough, we will pass them by without disrupting their upturned faces soaking up the warmth of the sun. If we are too rowdy, they plop into the water and the sound is much like that of a large flat stone splatting with a noise louder than the size of the turtles. I guess you would call it their version of a belly flop.
There are 10 different species of turtles here in Massachusetts in the sea, in fresh water and even in the woods. Learn more about our state’s species here and hope you will look up your area’s turtles when you get a chance.
These are but a few of my favorites from small and delicate to large and impervious to time.
Vintage Sterling and Abalone Turtle for Use as a Pin or Pendant
I think the abalone on this turtle resembles the whorls and waves of water in both the color and texture of the water’s surface. I enjoy that it is versatile enough to be pinned onto my favorite denim jacket or to hang from a ribbon or chain around my neck. I don’t own many pieces that can do double duty. It is offered on Etsy by CandysGenuineArticle for $74
Vintage McCoy Turtle Planter
I love the mossy green color and his seeming sturdiness. He is a denizen of the lily pond and proudly shows the lily pads around the back of his shell as he emerges from the water to climb onto a rock or log to sun himself. Kudos to the designer who has observed this and portrayed it in pottery. OldOar aptly offers this in their Etsy shop for $52
Antique Japanese Garden Lantern
I know it can be hung from a chain, but I prefer it to be forever on terra firma perhaps on a large flat stone. That way it may add a warm glow and soft light to those who sit at dusk after a long and busy day just to admire the fading color and glorious scents of the flowers. It may also be wonderful placed near a koi pond or water feature. This would be a family treasure to pass down along with stories of its adventures and history. SchneibleFineArts.com has it for $875 on its website.
There you have it, my vintage turtle picks for the week. I hope you will learn more about David A Carroll whose observations and illustrations of turtles are worthy of a good read.
Please sign-up for our email newsletter, delivered once a week, so you don’t miss out on any of our picks or articles celebrating all things vintage.
2 comments
Had several encounters with turtles this week. One mama working to lay eggs in the sandy soil near a cabin’s step. A pail put over top to deter 🦨 stealer. On the road along Mississippi headwaters, snappers with heads the size of a man’s fist!
Love the abalone shell.
Barbara thanks for the “head’s up” of turtle sightings in your area. Alas we have not seen any yet. We really should get to our favorite sunning log to say hello. They sometimes need our help and we always need them in nature to calm us and help us to slow down.