Extremely unique original antique heavy solid brass maritime Ship's Porthole or Hatch.  A rare find with storm door, swing plate and barking plate. Its very unusual to find a complete porthole with swing plate.  They are most often found as just a barking plate or window with storm door.  The majority are rather simple and made from aluminum or nickel plated rather than heavy brass like this unique specimen.  The vast majority of portholes on the market today are modern or reproduction's.  This aged beauty is complete with original green glass and 3 dogs.  High quality construction and hefty weight, 78 lbs.  Marked No. 4, 6 along exterior

A porthole, sometimes called bull's-eye window or bull's-eye, is a generally circular window used on the hull of ship. The function of a porthole, when open, is to permit light and fresh air to enter the dark and often damp below-deck quarters of the vessel. It also affords below-deck occupants a limited view to the outside world. When closed, the porthole provides a strong water-tight, weather-tight and sometimes light-tight barrier.

A porthole on a ship may also be called a sidescuttle or side scuttle (side hole), as officially termed in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. This term is used in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. It is also used in related rules and regulations for the construction of ships. The use of the word "sidescuttle" instead of "porthole" is meant to be broad, including any covered or uncovered hole in the side of the vessel