• The advancement of steam propulsion in the 1860's and the invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1891 opened many new doors for sailors.
  • Life at sea was becoming safer and transportation faster. Exotic ports seemed closer.
  • The electric tattoo machine meant larger and more intricate pieces could be tattoo'd.
  • Other tattoos showed experience and belonging to certain groups. Crossed anchors meant you were a boatswain, crossed cannons a gunnersmate. A turtle meant you were a Shellback and part of King Neptune's court. A dragon meant you had been to the Orient. These were important distinctions and helped to bring together people with similar experiences.
  • Still other tattoos were steeped in superstition. HOLD FAST on the knuckles helped you to hold the lines when rigging. A pig and rooster on your feet helped to keep you from drowning. Animals on ship were carried in wooden boxes and would float during shipwrecks.