There were lots of maritime related items at the Maritime Museum (obviously) and this is what might be more expected by visitors…
This was a more unusual exhibit, they are porcelain dogs from Staffordshire although that’s not the important bit. The museum notes:
“According to legend, the arrangement of the dogs in the windows could be used by sailors’ wives as a signal for secret friends. When the dogs were turned away from each other, the women were alone and could receive visitors”.
Looking into this whole rumour, it appears to be something that was common to the UK, Norway, Sweden and Finland, although I’m sure that the habit spread to other countries. There we go though, I learn something new every day.