Naval History Books & Medals of the Age of Fighting Sail, 1793–1815

Sim Comfort Associates specializes in antique naval books from the Age of Fighting Sail (1793–1815). Our carefully curated collection features rare and historical naval publications for collectors, researchers, and maritime history enthusiasts.

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Rigging and Seamanship

Naval Books

Original works and fine limited-edition reprints covering naval architecture, rigging and seamanship, ship construction, and the officers and engagements of the Napoleonic-era Royal Navy. Reference-grade detail for collectors, researchers and model shipwrights.

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Matthew Boulton’s Naval Medals

Naval Medals

Studies and commemorative medals connected to Britain’s naval history, including Matthew Boulton’s Trafalgar and Nile medals and the bicentennial Appleby Trafalgar Medal each accompanied by detailed background on the battle or campaign it commemorates.

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Naval Swords & Dirks plus Lord Nelson’s Swords

Swords & Militaria Reference

The definitive illustrated reference for officers’ swords, hangers, cutlasses and dirks of the fighting sail era, including the companion volume on the sword believed used by Lord Nelson himself.

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Browse Our Antique Naval Books

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Trusted by Naval History Collectors Since 1974

Sim Comfort Associates has published fine books on the Age of Fighting Sail from London since 1974. Every title is produced to the same standard: careful attention to paper, printing and binding, so that each reprint holds up against  and in many cases surpasses the craftsmanship of the original. This isn’t a marketplace reselling job lots of militaria; every book, medal and print in our collection has been researched, curated, and in many cases personally written or commissioned by Sim Comfort himself.

Our specialism covers the ships, officers, weapons and honours of Nelson’s navy: from David Steel’s foundational works on naval architecture and rigging, to the definitive two-volume reference on naval swords and dirks, to the Boulton and Appleby Trafalgar medals struck to commemorate the era’s defining battles. Historian and novelist Patrick O’Brian himself praised our reprint of Jenkins’s Naval Achievements for its quality of production.

Whether you’re a collector building a reference library, a museum curator sourcing period-accurate detail, or a researcher tracing a specific ship, officer or medal, our collection is built for people who need primary and near-primary source material not general-interest naval fiction.

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Relics from the fight between USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon

We have a number of relics to consider with one being the Chesapeake Mill in Wickham Hampshire, built from the pine timbers of the Chesapeake! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of antique naval books does Sim Comfort Associates sell?

Sim Comfort Associates specializes in rare and historical naval books, particularly publications relating to the Age of Fighting Sail (1793–1815). The collection includes books covering naval history, shipbuilding, rigging and seamanship, naval swords and weapons, medals, maritime art, and related subjects.

What is the Age of Fighting Sail?

The Age of Fighting Sail refers to the period when sailing warships dominated naval warfare. Sim Comfort Associates focuses particularly on the period from 1793 to 1815, covering the era of major naval conflicts and figures such as Lord Nelson.

Are the books suitable for collectors and maritime history researchers?

Yes. The collection is intended for collectors, researchers, historians, and anyone with an interest in naval and maritime history. Many of the publications provide detailed historical research, illustrations, reference material, and information about ships, sailors, weapons, medals, and naval engagements.

What subjects are covered in your naval book collection?

Our books cover a range of maritime subjects, including naval architecture, rigging and seamanship, naval swords and dirks, naval medals, maritime traditions, naval engagements, and the history of ships and sailors.

Can I purchase a book directly from the website?

Yes. Books available for purchase can be viewed through the online collection, where you can see the product description and price and add available titles to your basket.

Do you ship naval books internationally?

Yes. Shipping is available to the UK and international destinations. Shipping costs and available delivery information are provided with individual products and at checkout. For example, the Forget Me Not product currently lists free UK shipping and shipping options for Europe, the US, and worldwide destinations.

How can I find a particular naval book?

You can browse the Books collection to explore available titles. If you are looking for a particular naval history book or subject that you cannot find, you can contact Sim Comfort Associates directly for further information.

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