Welcome to our Blog in which can be found up coming events: Antique shows where we will be exhibiting, news and articles related to Nautical antiques.
The purpose of our blog is to inform and educate.
USS CONSTITUTION SOUVENIRS
Copy of the Roman Warwick vase made from Constitution timber and owned by Captain Jack Percival c.1845
The Constitution in Philadelphia for repairs in the 1870s
Compote from Constitution wood presented to A.P. Sampson by John Bates, paymasteer USN
The tradition of making souvenir items from the material of famous ships goes back centuries. Souvenirs were made from Sir Francis Drakes Golden Hind. Material recovered from the Mary Rose in the first half of the 19th century were made and sold.
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Tradition of making souvenirs from the frigate Constitution appears to have been initiated by Captain Isaac Hull. In 1833 he ordered material removed from the Constitution to be sent to Washington to be made into various souvenirs which he sent to various individuals. Each time the famed frigate was drydocked for repairs, wood and copper was made into boxes, canes, gavels and a variety of other objects.
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During the 1927-1931 restoration of the frigate a great many souvenirs were produced and sold to raised funds for the work. They were advertised and promoted. It is these objects which are commonly found in the antiques market and auctions and often bring high prices.
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The tradition continues to the present day and objects can be found from recent repairs for sale at the USS Constitution Museum.
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Snuff boxes made from Constitution timber during the 1850s repair at Portsmouth, NH
A wood bucket made from Constitution at Charlestown Navy Yard 1850. Later presented to D. W. Williams 1915
Gavel made from Constitution Oak during the 1907 repair at Boston
Cane made from Contitution oak from the 1858 repair at Portsmouth
Box made from coper & oak from Constitution, 197-1931
Bookends made from Constitution copper
Advertisement of USS Constitution souvenirs
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Antique Scrimshaw Collectors Association is happy to announce that registration for the 34th Scrimshaw & Nautical Antiques Weekend is now open. Take advantage of the early registration discount and sign up now!
For program details and online registration, see our website: http://www.antiquescrimshawcollectors.org