In 2020, Britannic Auctions sold an original in-service RMS Queen Mary paint chip display for $525. This one-of-a-kind relic preserves four original paint chips from the famous ocean liner, carefully mounted on a plaque made from the ship’s burled wood. These paint layers, which remained on the ship during its original in-service years, were present during the Queen Mary’s final Atlantic crossing in 1967, making this a direct link to the ship’s last sailing days. They were later removed during the Queen Mary’s transformation into a maritime museum and hotel in Long Beach, California, in 1969.
Preserving the Colors of a Great Liner
The four distinct paint chips on this plaque showcase layers of historic color, including Cunard red, seafoam green, orange, and creamy white. These thick, beveled paint samples represent decades of repainting and maintenance, with each layer reflecting a different chapter of the ship’s history. A similar plaque is housed in the Queen Mary archives, displaying a large piece of Cunard red paint from a funnel, which has served as an official reference during recent exterior restorations.
Preserving the ship’s historic colors is a massive undertaking, with roughly 240,000 square feet requiring regular priming and fresh paint. The last full repainting in 2017 cost an estimated $3 million, reflecting an ongoing dedication to maintaining the Queen Mary as a beloved symbol of maritime and WWII history.
Authentic Queen Mary Burled Wood
This historic plaque features burled wood likely sourced from the ship’s cabinets or doors, removed during the conversion process. The wood’s glossy grain and intricate patterns reflect the luxurious interiors of the famed ocean liner. The plaque has drilled holes, likely from a removed fixture like a handle or knob from the Queen Mary’s interior.
Two identical plaques state: “Paint chipped off the RMS Queen Mary during its 1969 conversion into a museum, hotel, and convention center.”
This piece came from a Long Beach councilman’s estate, given to him as a presentation gift during the 1969 conversion.
The Value of Original In-Service RMS Queen Mary Memorabilia
Collectors highly value Queen Mary memorabilia and artifacts from legendary ocean liners, especially original in-service items. Art Deco white telephones from the ship regularly sell for $600 to over $1,000. Original tables and chairs from the liner can bring well over $1,000 at auction. Original Cunard White Star posters range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000, depending on condition and rarity.
Other sought-after collectibles include dinnerware, signage, and deck furnishings, all of which hold significant appeal for maritime enthusiasts. The demand for Queen Mary memorabilia remains strong, particularly for pieces with direct provenance from the ship’s sailing years.
Thinking of Selling Your Ocean Liner Memorabilia?
If you have RMS Queen Mary artifacts, Titanic relics, or items from other famed ocean liners, we offer complimentary auction estimates. Contact us today to learn more about consigning your ocean liner collectibles for auction.
