A painting of a ship in full sail decorates the front of a banner created for the Ship Builders, Ship Joiners, Boat Builders, and Caulkers section of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association in Portland, a group intended to promote skilled crafts and craftsmen and to aid needy members and their families.

The reverse of the banner reads, "By Commerce We Live."

Banners representing 17 trades groups were created for a parade through Portland held Oct. 8, 1841.