Brass leads India nautical gifts material options

Collectibles and utility pieces, mostly resembling antiques, adopt brass in a range of finishes.

Brass is the material of choice for India-made nautical gifts primarily because of its shiny finish. This finish does not easily tarnish as other types of metal. Moreover, antique reproduction pieces, which many nautical gifts are being positioned as, are best manufactured in brass.

Materials are imported from various countries, including China. Brass costs have increased in the past two or three years, from $2.50 to $6.25 per kilogram for cast variations and $3 to nearly $6.25 for sheets, but have since then stabilized. Rates are expected to remain steady for the next six months.

Because material costs account for 60 to 70 percent of product prices, the India government offers a drawback incentive to offset duties on imported brass.

Suppliers are also turning to less-expensive alternatives such as aluminum, although brass remains the top option.

Nautical Exclusives Hub India combines brass and wood in its 750-model selection that includes ship's wheel or compass ashtrays, keychains, pen holders and coaster sets, clock paperweights, globes and candle and letter holders. Pieces have an antique brass, bronze or copper, or shiny brass finish.

The Taj Stores offers telescopes, sextants, compasses, sand timers and globes made of brass, iron and wood.

Roorkee, Moradabad and Bijnor cities are the major nautical gifts manufacturing hubs in India. Roorkee excels in precision work while Moradabad is famous for sand casting, turning and polishing.

There are about 200 suppliers in the line. Most are small and midsize companies with an export turnover of less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively. Nearly 10 are large, shipping out more than $1.5 million and capable of manufacturing 15 containers of products monthly.

Europe, the US and Canada are the key export destinations. Australia, Malaysia, the UAE and Russia are new markets.

Products & prices

India's extensive nautical gifts selection includes telescopes, diver's helmets, compasses, sextants, ship's bells, clocks, keychains, sand timers, binoculars, clocks, lamps and other navigational instruments offered as utility items or collectibles. These have a brass or shiny brass, copper, bronze or antique finish.

Models are small or pocket-size and some have a wood base or come with a polished box. Some telescopes, binoculars or spotlights have a leather cover or case.

Production is done manually or by handoperated small machines, which do not pollute the environment. Molding, sand casting, cutting, turning and polishing are the steps involved.

Low-end models such as keychains, ashtrays, compasses and ship's wheels are available for $2.50 to $10. They measure 3 or 4in.

Midrange compasses, sextants, pen/letter stands, candle holders, clocks and small ship lamps or telescopes and sand timers with or without a wood, leather base or box are $10.50 to $30. They are about 4 to 10.

High-end compasses, sextants, spotlights, telescopes, lamps, sand timers, globes and binoculars with leather or wood attachments exceed 10in. price is $30.50 to $100.

See a comparison table of nautical gift suppliers on GlobalSources.com