Classic Cunard Bakelite Fixtures
Three Types Of Punkah Louvre Vents
From SS IVERNIA/FRANCONIA of 1955/1963

Items from SS SALONA (ex IVERNIA, FRANCONIA, FEDOR SHALYAPIN)

Clockwise, from top: Type C, Type A, and Type B.

SALONA (ex IVERNIA, FRANCONIA, FEDOR SHALYAPIN) was one of the very last ships still in existence with original bakelite Punkah Louvre vents when she beached at Alang in 2004. My agent, Kaushal, was a bit shocked when I asked him to save all that he could. Unfortunately, most were destroyed and recycled for their parts, but I did manage to retrieve a small quantity of three different types. Their condition is good, although after fifty years, some have received a little ding here or there. I will offer the ones I feel are in best condition first.

"A" Type: 6 Inches Wide by 6.5 Inches Deep
(from duct opening to tip of metal flange in back)

Type A features a circular mount surrounding the moveable duct. A metal valve spins around the duct, visiting four positions listed from top, clockwise: shut, hot, mix, and cold.

These and Type B can be installed in a contemporary home by replacing standard vents with a mahogany (or other type of wood) mount -- see top image in this category. Price: $75.00

"B" Type: 8 Inches Wide by 8.5 Inches Deep
(from duct opening to rear)

Type B features a circular mount surrounding the moveable duct. On some, a decal still reads "Punkah Louvre", although on most, the decal is damaged, chipped, or missing.

These and Type A can be installed in a contemporary home by replacing standard vents with a mahogany (or other type of wood) mount -- see top image in this category.

Note, there are two slightly varying versions of these. One has a lip with six textured grips around the opening and the other is a plain opening. Price: $65.00

"C" Type: 6 Inches Wide by 5.5 Inches Deep
(from duct opening to rear)

Type C resembles an eyeball with a tiny red dot in "iris position" and comes unmounted. There are very limited quantities of these. Price: $55.00