Realm Collections Blog

Pirates might be popular villains in literature and movies, including famous characters like Captain Hook of “Peter Pan” and Jack Sparrow of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but they are also very popular with kids, topping the list alongside robots, superheroes, wizards and dinosaurs for their cross-generational appeal. Hence, it is not so surprising that kids (and maybe even some adults) everywhere would want a pirate-themed bedroom.

Last Sunday, ten year old Job McCully got his pirate fantasy fulfilled on ABC’s top-rated TV series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” as host Ty Pennington and his stalwart crew brought some maritime adventures to Job’s room. An inspiration to his small hometown, Job is surviving leukemia, a bone marrow and a double lung transplant. Following years in and out of hospitals, Job was finally allowed to go home in March 2008. To ensure his health, the McCully family could not return to their sinking, moldy and dilapidated home. Enter “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” provides home renovations to deserving families. The families often face a recent or ongoing hardship, from natural disasters to life-threatening illness. While the show’s producers and crew film the makeover, all materials and labor are donated. Of course, Realm Collections is proud for the opportunity to help, donating pirate-themed items to make Job’s room his dream room.

Here are some pirate-themed items from Realm Collections you might have seen as part of Job’s room:

Wooden Ship’s Wheel - Ship’s wheel, along with the anchor, is the symbol of ships and sea. It was introduced sometime in the beginning of the 18th century. Wooden Ship’s Wheel is a great decoration piece. The ship’s wheel is made of wood with sold brass nave.

Pirate Telescope - This telescope is designed after the ones used by pirates and contains a brass surface finish with a leather wrapped section that is used as a handle. Great accessory that can also be used for every day use as a personal and convenient telescope. Have fun looking for mermaids!

Brass Glass Sand Timer Hourglass - Hourglass sand timer is a glass vessel with two compartments joined by a hollow fine neck. Despite the electronic and mechanical watches and clocks available, the sand timers have a mystique that cannot be surpassed. The sand timers were used to measure the speed of the ships and today they are installed to keep the traditions live. The glass is hand blown by the craftsmen and each piece is unique. Our Sand Timer Hourglass is beautifully made from brass and can be used to keep time, as a pirate accessory, or simply as a decoration.

Dead Man’s Chest Limited Edition -  Sought after, fought over, the Dead Man’s Chest holds Davy Jones’ heart – and whoever has it controls Jones. Rugged and ancient looking, the chest opens – with or without Davy Jones’ Key. Will it give you power over Jones? Maybe not – but it’s a great way to stow the stuff on your desk. The limited-edition replica chest opens - with or without Davy Jones’ key - and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. As one of the most important film props, it’s a significant addition to any Pirates collection. No self-respecting pirate - or collector of pirate lore - should stow their heart - or treasures in anything else!

Jack Sparrow Button Ring Replica - Black stone set in gold-finish metal with an inlaid floral design of gold-finish metal and crystal glass. Romance is at hand! Play up your romantic side! The ladies love Captain Jack, and he loves them. When an encounter is especially romantic, Jack takes something to remember it by – like this opulent ring with it’s inlaid floral design.

Pirates Of The Caribbean Curse Coin - Exact Elizabeth Swann Necklace replica of the original coin featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Gold plated replica polished with an antique finish to further define the intricate details. Front of the coin features the traditional pirate symbol of a skull while the reverse shows a traditional Aztec symbol. The Elizabeth Swann Necklace replica makes a great collectible and costume accessory.

Pirate Coat - Pirate Coat is a stunning coat, featuring long period cut, large bell cuffs and richly antiqued buttons. Pirate Coat is one eye-catching piece of pirate garb that would make even Captain Jack take notice. Pirate Coat is made of heavy gray wool with black rayon lining. This buccaneer coat has an 11 inch slit from the hem line in the middle of the back. Also it features a horizontal 10 inch mini belt above the slit at waist height accented with 2 buttons.

Pirate Colonial Hat - Pirate Colonial Hat is a leatherette hat with an exception antique look. This hat is an exact replica of the hats worn by the ravage pirates and the peaceful settlers during the 18th century. Perfect head accessory for many costumes and also adds a pleasant look as a display.

Pirate Ship Banner - Pirate Banner is an original accent which would be a perfect part of themed room decor. It is made of durable cotton and has an original design.  This ship pirate banner has a distinct color pattern with a red background and a black bottom panel decorated with a skull and cutlass motif. This banner is the perfect finish to a pirate inspired setting. Pirate banner is also a perfect gift for those who dream of adventures and sailing the high seas.

Pirate Treasure Map - Pirate Treasure Map is a beautifully illustrated map that shows a pirate ships trail to find hidden treasure. It is a fun gift for kids that may spark their imagination and send them on a treasure hunt. X marks the spot!

Pirate Skull Sword Holder - Pirate Skull Sword Holder is amazingly detailed, right down to the red bandanna wrapped around this Jolly Roger’s skull. Made of high quality resin and painted in rich shades to enhance the aged look, this pirate cutlass holder is a grinning skull with glowering brows that will show off your favorite cutlass or sword to full advantage. Pirate Skull Sword Holder is designed to hold any standard size sword or cutlass. The patina of the skull is expertly applied to give it that old-world, aged appearance. You’d think it had been found in some dank cave in a pirate’s cove! This Pirate Skull Sword Holder includes wall-mounting brackets.

Brass Pirate Compass - Brass Pirate Compass features a style that helped small yachts and life boats find their way home. Binnacle is a case on the deck of a ship, generally in front of the helmsman, in which is kept a compass, and a light by which the compass is read at night. In the 1880s a compass and binnacle were patented by Lord Kelvin that greatly advanced marine compasses. This stunning Brass Pirate Compass will make a great gift for the pirate collector or antique collector.

So why the appeal of these thieves of the seas?

Author J. Patrick Lewis, who wrote “Blackbeard the Pirate King,” summarizes the overall longevity of the appeal of pirates. “Pirates appeal, I think, because of their clandestine nature. Kids (and adults) are hooked on the buried treasure, the eye patch, the battle at sea. Piracy stretches to the breaking point our collective imagination of a world so totally at odds with the one we know.

You can find more pirate collectibles and Pirates of the Caribbean memorabilia at realmcollections.com. You can watch this full episode featuring the McCully family and Job’s pirate room at the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” site.