This listing is for an antique wooden dead eye, a link used in the rigging of sailing ship.  This is a fairly large one, with a diameter of 7 inches and a depth of 5 inches.  It is made of a dense heavy hardwood and it’s heavy.  I don’t know the species of wood, but I suspect it’s something tropical like lignum vitae.  I don’t know the age or place of manufacture, but it seems to be very old, and it would have been used on a fairly large boat.  This dead eye is in very good condition for it’s age with some minor issues from age and use.   There is one serious age crack and a few minor ones, along with other signs of wear and tear.  I think I have thoroughly photographed all of these.   None of the damage threatens to get worse or to cause the piece to come apart.  In fact it could be rigged for display purposes and probably hold some weight, but I wouldn’t even consider using it on a boat.  The finish is dull, but there is a lovely grain to the wood which could be restored for decorative purposes.  I have other maritime antiques and hundreds of antiques and collectibles listed in my store.  All of my items were found in estate sales and cleanouts on Cape Cod.  None of the items have been touched by the public, just stored in totes. All items have been stored for weeks or thoroughly washed.  I am in a low risk area and I am observing all precautions for virus protection.
I TRY TO USE THE CHEAPEST RATE POSSIBLE ON USPS, using FIRST CLASS, MEDIA and PARCEL SELECT rates whenever I can. Books under one pound will always go First Class, because it’s much faster than Media for only a little more money.  I get a great discount on Priority Mail from eBay, so often when I buy the label Priority is about the same as Parcel Select or the other Standard Mail rates.  If it only costs a little more, I will absorb the extra cost myself to get the free insurance with Priority and then I can use the free boxes they provide.  It won’t cost you more than the Standard Mail rate listed for your purchase. If you want Priority to speed delivery, you can always ask for that option, and I am likely to refund a small amount of postage when I buy the label through eBay and get my discount.  Priority is much faster, no doubt.  I pack carefully, and fragile items will always be in an ample-sized, sturdy box with lots of bubble wrap and foam peanuts used.  I always use recycled peanuts, and when the virus is over, I will go back to using sturdy used boxes whenever I can.  I only use USPS, because FedEx and UPS have told me at their offices here on Cape Cod that they WILL NOT insure antiques and collectibles.  I have had 22 years of excellent service from USPS, with only a few problems out of thousands and thousands of packages sent.