Wholesale Nautical Décor for Museum, Aquarium & Historic-Site Shops
Museum, aquarium and historic-site buyers can consider nautical gifts that relate to their exhibits: telescopes, compasses, bells and ship models for maritime themes, and whale, sea-turtle and octopus designs for marine-life themes. Moby Dick Specialties is a Fairhaven, Massachusetts wholesaler of nautical gifts and coastal décor that sells to museum shops and other retailers, with a $250 order minimum.
What should a maritime museum shop carry?
Telescopes, magnifiers and compasses
Examples include Telescope w/ Box, W. Odway/Telescope “1915”, Hughes Magnifying Glass – Solid Brass, Compass and Sextant In Wood Box. Confirm each item’s materials and dimensions before selecting it. See Kaleidoscopes & Telescopes, Magnifying Glasses and Compasses, Whistles, Sextants & Sundials.
Ship models
Models in the line include the USCG Barque Eagle, the Vigilant Half Model, the Half Model Columbia and the Pond Yacht & Union Flag. Half models in particular suit a gallery wall. See Ship Models.
Whaling pieces
Consider the Decorative Harpoon, Nautical Hand Harpoon and Sperm Whale – Rust for a whaling-themed retail display; verify any historical interpretation separately. See Harpoons & Ship Parts and our whaling heritage guide.
The line includes Bosun Whistle w/ Box and Knot Boards. Have your museum’s interpretive staff verify any historical explanation used on shelf cards.
What fits an aquarium or marine-science shop?
Sea-life pieces lead: Sea Turtle – Verdigris, Octopus Paper Weight – Rust, Octopus Hook – Blue and the Jelly Fish Sign – Tin, with the Shark Bottle Opener for adult shoppers. Browse Turtles, Octopus, Sharks, Dolphins and Designer Resin for painted figures and ornaments.
What should buyers check before selecting items for children?
Confirm the intended age range, warnings and suitability of each item before selecting it for children or school groups.
How does a museum shop start with a small order?
The minimum is $250 per order, after quantity discounts and before shipping. Many items are sold in small packs (“Pkg. 4”) or with low minimums (“Min. 2”), so a first order can test several themes at once. To open an account, apply here with your resale certificate, EIN or tax ID. A person reviews it, and once approved you log in to see prices.
Why buy heritage pieces from Fairhaven?
Our warehouse is in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, across the harbor from New Bedford. The New Bedford Whaling Museum records that Herman Melville shipped out on the Acushnet of Fairhaven in January 1841 (Whaling Museum), and the National Park Service describes New Bedford in 1841 as “the whaling capital of the world” (NPS). We are not affiliated with either institution; we stock the themes their stories are about.
Can buyers see the line in person?
Yes. Our 5,000+ square foot showroom in Fairhaven lets a buyer handle the brass, check the weight of a piece and see finishes side by side. Appointments are strongly encouraged, walk-ins are welcome: book a visit.
Buying from Moby Dick Specialties: the facts
| Who we are | A Fairhaven, Massachusetts wholesaler of nautical gifts and coastal décor, 2,000+ items. We sell to retailers only, never to consumers. |
| Order minimum | $250 per order (after quantity discounts, before shipping); $75 for showroom pickup. |
| How to buy | Apply once with your resale certificate, EIN or tax ID. A person reviews it, then you log in to see prices and order. |
| Showroom | 5,000+ sq ft at 10 Pequod Rd, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Appointments strongly encouraged, walk-ins welcome. |
| Office | Monday–Thursday, 8 AM–3 PM Eastern (closed Friday–Sunday) · 508-994-5024 · orders@mobydickspecialties.com |
| Freight | The carrier’s actual charge, billed when the order ships. No handling fees. |
Museum shop questions
Do you sell to museum and nonprofit shops?
Yes. Museum shops are among the retailers we sell to. Apply with your resale certificate, EIN or tax ID.
Do you sell to the public?
No. We sell to retailers only, never to consumers.
Can we combine themes to reach the minimum?
Yes. The $250 minimum applies to the whole order, so brass instruments, ship models and sea-life pieces can share one order.
How is freight charged?
At the carrier’s actual charge, billed when the order ships, with no handling fees. For shipped orders paid by card, the card on file is charged after packing and weighing. Showroom pickup orders are paid at pickup.
Can we see items before we order?
Yes. Visit the Fairhaven showroom Monday–Thursday, 8 AM–3 PM Eastern. Appointments are strongly encouraged so staff can plan for your visit.
Updated October 2026
For cast iron, garden and vintage-style home décor, see our sister company, Upper Deck Ltd.