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Authentic Vintage 1970s "Høegh Trader" Oslo Marine Life Ring Buoy
Genuine Norwegian Maritime History
Perfect Coastal / Nautical Decor
This is an incredible piece of genuine maritime history: an authentic, vintage orange commercial ship life ring buoy from the historic car carrier vessel **HØEGH TRADER**, registered out of **OSLO**, Norway.
Vessel History Brief: The *Høegh Trader* (IMO 5108778) was originally built in 1958 as a steam turbine oil tanker before being purchased by the famous Leif Høegh & Co. fleet. Converted in 1970 into a specialized vehicle carrier, she transported cargo globally under the Norwegian flag until she was officially decommissioned and scrapped in Kaohsiung in February 1979. This life ring is a rare surviving artifact from that specific 1970s era.
Features & Details:
* **Inscriptions:
Boldly hand-painted light blue-gray lettering on the upper arc reads "HØEGH TRADER" and the lower arc features the home port of "OSLO".
* **Authenticity Labels :
The side of the ring features the original stitched marine manufacturer specification strip reading “3M Scotchlite™ refleks 2270/3270"**, confirming its compliance with mid-to-late 20th-century international safety standards for nighttime visibility.
* **Rigging:
Features its original weathered perimeter grab line with structural loop mounts fully intact.
Condition Report (Sold As-Is):
This item displays beautiful, genuine "salty" character from years at sea. It shows honest age, weathering, minor surface scuffs, and a gap in interior seam to the canvas/vinyl body. The lettering has a beautiful vintage patina. No major structural collapses—it holds its rigid shape perfectly and displays beautifully on a wall, fence, or post. Please inspect the photographs closely to assess condition. Thank you for looking.
Perfect For:
* Nautical and maritime history collectors
* Coastal home decor, lakehouse accents, or pool houses
* Seafood restaurant, tiki bar, or patio statement pieces
* Coastal / Nautical Decor
