Looking for some help

[LOoLoO]

I'm not sure if anyone is able to help me, and it's a shot in the dark, but I'll try anyway.

My father, Joseph Anthony Dennett (liked to be called Tony) was in the Merchant Navy from 1958 until 1969. He sailed on such ships as "Pretoria Castle", "Mauretania" and "Queen Elizabeth", to name just a few.

Unfortunately, my father passed away rather suddenly on November 6th 2011. My father had a rather distinctive tattoo on his left arm, which I believe was something relating to the navy. By way of honouring my father's memory, I am wanting to get the same tattoo. However, the picture I have of it - and the fact that it was probably done pre-1958 - means it's very difficult to make out. But I am hoping someone may see it and recognise it.

From what I can see, it's an Eagle, Heart and Flag. We believe that, as my father spent many months in America, specifically New York, he may have had the tattoo done there, which would explain the Eagle. The flag looks to be a Union Jack, which he could have had modified from the American flag, and we believe the very top of the tattoo is the head of the Statue of Liberty.

I would be so very grateful if anyone out there can shed some light on this, or provide me with a better picture, so that I can go ahead and get this tattoo done.

Many thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me,

Lisa

[Doc Vernon]

Hi
As you say it is a shot in the Dark,i suggest that you print that Picture out and take it to a good Tatoo Guy,they have many many Pics to look at and even if they may not have that one,if any good can certainly copy it!
Cheers

Hope you may strike luck somewhere else!

[Graham Payne]

Hi Lisa
a very admirable thought (getting a tattoo in respect of your father) however please give some thought to it, would your father have wanted his precious Daughter scarred for life by this. This from a Old man who has many Tattoo's. Just a thought, but I wish you well whatever your decision.

[Peter (Pat) Baker]

It seems to me that the top part of the tattoo appears
to be the head of the Statue of Liberty.
Just a thought.

Pat Baker.

[John Albert Evans]

Lisa,

This is your decision and yours alone. When I was 16 and just joined the Merchant Navy I had a tattoo of a bird, flower, heart, scroll with Mam and Dad in it. I am now 71 years of age and all that remains is a blue and green splodge on my right forearm.

Please take into account that a tattoo really is for life.

Respectfully

John Albert EVans

[Ivan Cloherty]

Hi Lisa

Agree it's a nice thought, but would your father really want you to have a tattoo, I'm glad my daughters didn't succumb, but everyone is different, perhaps you have tattoos already and one more will not make any difference.

Tattoos do not improve with age, very few people stay the same weight and size as they were when the tattoo was engraved, whether you go up or down in weight, the tattoo will distort and what was once a proud possession will become an eyesore to yourself and others.

I'm sure that there will be someone out there who could make you a nice picture of the tattoo, something to pass onto your children with a story behind it, Doubt they would want a lampshade made from your skin!

Think carefully, would your father really want you to have a tattoo, and if he is watching over you, he would be happy in the knowledge that you are thinking of him, believe me fond memories last longer than tattooos and remain much clearer.

Ivan

[Captain Kong]

Hi Lou Lou

Why not just keep a Photo of the tattoo, much better than making a mess of your skin. Ask any old Sailor.
I had a superb tattoo, now it is a blue blob.I need an arm transplant to get rid of it.
cheers
Brian

[LOoLoO]

Thanks to everyone who has replied

I actually already have five tattoo's, none of them particularly colourful, but all of them relating to some part of my character in some way.

I do have lots of things that remind me of my wonderful dad, including his first wedding ring, but this is just another way I feel I would like to pay homage to him. My only regret was not asking him more about the tattoo and where it came from.

I do agree that the top part looks like the head of the Statue of Liberty and, as he spent many months of his life in New York when in the merchant navy, it's more than likely that's what this is. My mum seems to think he had England across the heart, and that the lettering in the bottom left is "Sava" - but I can't find any reference to this or what it means.

I appreciate everyone's concerns about my getting a tattoo, and thank you all for sharing them. I just wanted to make sure that, when I do get it, I get it as close to the original as I can!

Lisa

[Keith at Tregenna]

Would suggest any one that can enhance the pic should be sought first, I could try but am an amateur.

Any decision on a tattoo is of course your own, the thought alone is a great tribute, but would suggest this could become something more on canvas and framed ?

Either way, you do need to research all more. It would be so nice to actually get all detail 100% correct first.

Wishing you every success in your quest.

K.