JAWS (1975) | ORCA Transom Letters – Full Scale Steel Reproductions

ORCA Transom Letters — Full Scale Steel Reproductions

A few years ago the original steel ORCA transom letters from Jaws (1975) appeared at auction.

For a lifelong admirer of the film, it was the kind of moment that stops you in your tracks — the actual steel letters fabricated in 1974 by Martha’s Vineyard sculptor and metal fabricator Travis Tuck for the production vessel used during filming.

Like most people who saw them, I could only admire them from afar. Owning them was never going to be realistic.

But the moment stayed with me.

I made a promise to myself that one day I would attempt to recreate the letters properly — not as a decorative tribute, but as faithfully as possible to the original fabrication.

Over the following years the project evolved through extensive study of available reference material. Production photography from the film was analysed in detail, alongside documented measurements of the surviving letters now held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. These references were cross-checked against period imagery to refine the scale, proportions, and mounting positions of the original transom lettering.

The aim wasn’t to make something inspired by the Orca — it was to recreate the material presence of the original transom letters.

Each set is cut from hot-rolled mild steel, matching the material and thickness of the original fabrication. The steel then undergoes a controlled ageing process over several weeks, allowing the surface to oxidise naturally before the rust patina is stabilised and sealed in clear lacquer. This preserves the character and texture of the weathered steel while preventing further corrosion.

The resulting pieces capture the scale, weight, and physical presence of one of cinema’s most recognisable vessel names.

Edition

This rusted patina finish is limited to 10 sets.

 Each set is:

• Individually numbered

• Signed by the maker

• Accompanied by an engraved edition plaque

Edition 1 / 10 has already been placed in a private JAWS memorabilia collection.

Production

 Each set is produced individually once reserved.

 Please allow approximately 4–6 weeks for completion due to the controlled rusting process and hand finishing.

This is the only edition that will be produced in a fully hand-rusted and sealed finish.