"Don't Give up the Ship"

is a famous phrase attributed to Captain James Lawrence of the United States Navy during the War of 1812. Captain Lawrence is reputed to have said these words as he lay mortally wounded during the Battle of Lake Erie, commanding the USS Chesapeake against the British HMS Shannon. This phrase later became the motto of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who had it emblazoned on his battle flag. The phrase symbolizes determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Why do Swallows appear on all of our nautical items?

Swallow tattoos have a rich history and are laden with symbolism. Traditionally, they were popular among sailors for several reasons:

Return Home: A swallow tattoo symbolized a sailor's hope and assurance of returning home safely. This is because swallows were known to always return home after long journeys, reflecting the sailor's desire for a safe return.
Travel and Experience: Swallow tattoos often indicated that a sailor had traveled a significant distance. For example, one swallow might symbolize 5,000 nautical miles traveled.