Monochrome photograph of two ships at a wharf, viewed from the side. They have been stripped of their sails and rigging. The front ship has "DESDEMONA of NEW-BEDFORD" painted on it, above which is a carved or painted eagle with winds outstretched. The name painted on the ship behind the Desdemona is half-obscured, but what is visible is painted in the same style, and reads "NEW BEDFORD". A rowboat, partially visible at the far right, appears to be tethered to the Desdemona. There are two buildings, probably two or three stories high, with peaked roofs in the background.
