🌍 Rare Vintage Maritime Poster SS Umtata (II), Natal Line of Steamers (circa 1900s)
Own a stunning piece of South African maritime history with this original advertising poster from the Natal Direct Line, featuring the elegant steamship SS Umtata (II) entering Durban Harbour. This rare collectible represents the golden era of steam travel from the port of Durban to London and other colonial destinations such as Delagoa Bay, Madras, Calcutta, and Ceylon.
📌 Item Details:
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Ship: SS Umtata (II)
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Line: Natal Line of Steamers (Bullard, King & Co.)
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Year: Circa 18981910
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Size: See measurements in images
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Medium: Lithograph print on poster stock (unframed )
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Condition: [Excellent vintage condition, some edge wear, minor creasing, bright colours preserved]
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Text Includes:
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"Natal Line of Steamers Fortnightly Sailings to London Direct"
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"Also to Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Delagoa Bay, Beira, Ceylon, Madras & Calcutta"
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"Taking Passengers at Low Rates..."
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Featured Image: SS Umtata entering Durban Harbour
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Visuals: Rich marine colours, classic late Victorian/Edwardian typography and layout, showing the liner at sea with accompanying yacht and the coastline in the background.
🛳 About the SS Umtata (1898)
Built in 1898 by Sir James Laing & Sons for the Bullard, King & Co. fleet, the SS Umtata (II) was a steam-powered cargo and passenger vessel. She operated routes between Durban and London, stopping at Delagoa Bay (now Maputo), Ceylon, and India, carrying goods, mail, and passengers.
She served until 1924, when she was scrapped in Savona, Italy, after more than two decades of reliable service.
🧭 Historic Significance
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This poster is a rare survivor from South Africas colonial maritime period.
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Very few original pieces of Natal Line promotional material still exist.
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Highly collectible for those interested in:
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Maritime and naval history
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South African colonial heritage
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Steamship memorabilia
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Vintage travel and shipping posters
Posters like this are often found in private collections, museums, or high-end poster galleries. Recent market evaluations of similar posters (especially from Union-Castle Line or RMS-era ships) range from R5,000 to over R30,000, depending on condition and rarity.
💬 Ideal For:
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Collectors of maritime art
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South African heritage enthusiasts
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Interior decorators (nautical/colonial themes)
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Historians or curators
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Antique dealers and poster specialists
Please review photos carefully. Ask for additional angles or close-ups if required.
📦 Shipping & Packaging:
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Carefully packaged for secure delivery (rolled in tube or flat with protective board, depending on buyer preference).
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Nationwide courier available in South Africa.
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International shipping can be arranged at buyers cost.
