Vintage Israeli Somerfin Bilu Nili Passenger Ship Serviette Made in Switzerland

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Framed vintage 1960s Wida serviette from the Israeli Somerfin passenger ships named the Nili and Bilu. Fantastic artwork featuring a … Read more Framed vintage 1960s Wida serviette from the Israeli Somerfin passenger ships named the Nili and Bilu. Fantastic artwork featuring a sun and likely Haifa, a major Israeli port city. Napkin made in Switzerland and wood frame made in the USA.

Nili-Somerfin Car Ferries, Ltd., based in Haifa, Israel, operated passenger and car ferry services primarily in the Mediterranean. The Nili was built by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd. in 1965. It was intended for service between Southampton and Algeciras but also chartered for routes like Helsinki-Travemünde under the name "Helsinki Express". The Nili faced financial difficulties, leading to its impoundment and eventual sale at auction to the Israeli Government in 1967. It was later renamed "Jamaica Queen" and then "Arion" under subsequent ownerships. The Bilu was another vessel operated by Somerfin, known for offering cruises from Miami in the mid-1960s. It provided accommodation for passengers and had facilities like a garage for vehicles, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.

Wida was a Swiss paper company paper that made serviettes (napkins) in Bern, Switzerland. These vintage napkins are often sought after due to their beautiful designs.

Dimensions: 20.5"W x 1.13"D x 20.5"H; Serviette alone measures 13.88"W x 13.38"D See less