Naval & Military
We offer a variety of naval artifacts, many quite rare, including sailor's personal possessions. Also naval manuscript material and photography. Manuscript and photography material can also be found in there separate categories.
A0285 VERY RARE CIVIL WAR EMBROIDERED SAILOR'S CAP FROM USS PENSACOLA
Very few of these Civil War caps survive. This is an exceptional example made from blue dyed wool with hand stitched top in pie shaped segments. Wonderful multicolored silk thread embroidered top. Black silk side ribbon and hat tally hand painted with the ship's name and flanked by painted anchors. No lining but a fine colored sweat band.
$5700
A0284 PRE-CIVIL WAR US NAVY BATTLE RATTLE
This US Navy battle rattle is an early form that dates prior to the Civil War. Made of oak with a bulbous head, painted red with a single ratchet and painted red. Stamped USN.
$495
A0278 USS CONSTITUTION SOUVENIR BOOKENDS
This pair of bookends made from copper from the USS CONSTITUTION c. 1927
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These bookends were a number of souvenir objects made to support the restoration of the frigate CONSTITUTION from 1927-1930.
$295
A0287 SAILOR'S DITTY BOX USS CANANDAIGUA
This 19th century box is elaborately carved, bearing the name; “USS CANANDAIGUA” on the front with a spread wing eagle on the top with 4 stars in each corner. One end is carved: “U S N” while the opposite end has the owner’s initials “W T R”. Made with dove-tail joints and fitted with a key lock (key missing). Later lined with felt.
The CANANDAIGUA was a Civil War sloop of war launched in Boston in 1862. She served throughout the Civil War as part of the south Atlantic blockade squadron. She captured the Confederate blockade runner Sesesh. She part in the attacks on Charleston. She was broken up in 1875.
$950
A0253 USS CONSTITUTION SOUVENIR BOX
Oak and bronze box made from material from the USS CONSTITUTION c.1927
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This box is one of a number of souvenir objects made to support the restoration of the frigate CONSTITUTION in 1927-1930. These boxes made from oak and bronze have become extremely collectable with some reaching 4 figures at auction.
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This example is in fine condition with a fine dark patina.
$750
A0204 LATE 18TH CENTURY SARGENT'S SPONTOON
This British sergeant's spontoon or pike has a typical spear point with cross bar and mounted on a long wooden shaft. The other end has been modified with the addition of a pike head, making it a double defensive weapon. There are a small pair of holes on the shaft which were probably used to hang the pike. 80 inches long.
SOLD
A0086 A PAIR OF BUILDING RECEIPTS FOR THE USS CONSTITUTION DATED 1798
These highly sought after receipts date from the building of the famed frigate CONSTITUTION. They were received by Henry Jackson, Naval Agent for the Boston Navy Yard.
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The top example is for the gun carriage's ironwork and is signed by David Cobb and states for the Frigate Constitution.
The second signed by Benjamin White is for surveying timber at the Boston Navy Yard. Though does not mention the Constitution, All these Jackson receipts were for the building work done on the Constitution.
$2850
A0228 RARE USS CONSTITUTION GAVEL
This gavel was made from oak timber from the frigate CONSTITUTION in 1907 when the ship went through a moderate restoration after her return from Portsmouth Navy Yard.
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Very few objects can be found from this restoration, making it much rarer than objects made from the 1927-1930 rebuilding.
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This gavel came from noted historian Joe Copley of Portsmouth NH. It is inscribed on the handle: "1907 U.S.S. Constitution built 1797. In War 1812" 11 .5 inches
SOLD
A0224 RARE AND HISTORIC BOAT BINNACLE FROM THE FAMOUS USS KEARSARGE
This rare portable binnacle was one of several which were supplied to the USS KEARSARGE during her initial fitting out in 1861 at Portsmouth. They were used in the warship's boats and would have been aboard during the famous battle with the CSS ALABAMA. This example is one of three known, one is in the collection of the Mariner's Museum. All basically identical except for some variations to the instruction label attached to the inside.
None have their original compasses which were evidently removed along with lamp parts by the USN. The compasses were the first liquid type invented by Grant Preston and copied and patented by E. S. Ritchie. The KEARSARGE binnacles appear to be the only ones marked with the vessels name. Other example seen are unmarked.
Made of mahogany with dovetail joinery, glazed pull down door with brass fittings and copper chimney. Measures 19.5 inches tall x 9 3/4 inches square at the base. Fine aged condition.
SOLD
A0077 LARGE CIVIL WAR PHOTO OF USS TUSCARORA WITH COMMISION OF D. H. CROWELL
Captain David H. Crowell 1820-1920 of Chatham Massachusetts entered the U S Navy in 1861 and served as Acting Master aboard the USS Tuscarora. Prior to his enlistment in the Civil War, he headed a party of Argonauts to California during the Gold Rush.
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This period photograph, commission, signed by Navy Secretary Gideon Wells and the CDV of Crowell were owned by him. The albumen of the Tuscarora is huge measuring 13.5 x 18 inches (sight) in period frame. The reverse inscribed with Crowell's service on the warship. Click the link below for Crowell's biography published in: Chatham Sea Captains in the Age of Sail
$1750
A0220 ORIGINAL HAND DRAWN PLAN FOR 24 POUND NAVAL GUN CARRIAGE
This original plan or draught dates c.1825. It is a very detailed plan for the construction of 24 pounder gun carriage. It is done on onion skin paper and is mounted on the original heavy weight paper. On the reverse is marked: Plan of a 24pr Carriages. The plan itself measures 9 x 153/8
$395
A0209 RARE ROYAL NAVY MANUSCRIPT FITTING MORE BOW CHASE GUNS
This 4 page manuscript, dated 1825 was written by Richard Blake, master shipwright at the Portsmouth Dockyard to the Navy Board. Titled: Mem'd of R. Blake's Bow It details Blake's new bow design for 74 gun ships of the line so that additional chase guns can be added to the bow. He mentions a model made to demonstrate that double the guns could be mounted on two decks. The document has an original plan illustrating the idea. 1822 watermark.
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Richard Blake was master shipwright at the Portsmouth Dockyard from 1835-1841. This document dates 1825 before he was appointed as master shipwright. Fine condition, 12 5/8 x 15 1/2
$350
A0211 REVOLUTIONARY WAR WATER KEG
Choice all original 18th century Revolutionary War barrel style soldier's camp keg canteen. Made of wood staves and bound with iron bands with raised wood spout and hand forged bail handle. Canteen is in exceptional condition being tight with no loose staves. Measures 10 inches long and 6.5 inches diameter across the heads.
$950
A0013 PRESENTATION SPEAKING TRUMPET 1858
This important and unique presentation speaking trumpet Inscribed: Presented to Capt. James F P Rust By The Members of the Association August 21 1858
Prior to the Civil War, Captain Rust was owner and master of the bark HERSILIA of New York. During the Civil War he joined the navy and assumed the rank of Acting 1st Assistant Engineer aboard the USS AGAWAM and the expedition up the James River. After the war he served aboard the USS OSCEOLA.
The unique hammered relief decoration depicts a ship in a storm, a man in a small boat and a humorous scene of one man being bucked off a mule as the mule bites another in the butt.
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The photo shows officers aboard the AGAWAM one of which is certainly James Rust
$2750
A0176 LITHOGRAPH OF USS MENDOTA
Original lithograph by Endicott of New York titled The United States Gunboat Mendota.
The Mendota was sidewheel steamer launched in 1863 and acquired by the Navy. She served on the North Atlantic Blockade at the James River.
The print is in fine condition, professionally cleaned with some minor margin repairs. Unframed, 20.25 x 33 inches.
$950
A0094 LOGBOOK: FRIGATES BRANDYWINE & UNITED STATES 1830-33
This naval logbook begins with the frigate Brandywine under the command of E.P. Kennedy, but soon under James Biddle and Mathew C. Perry in the Mediterranean Squadron. Daily entries, some lengthy of naval content. James Dalgren of Civil War fame is
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mentioned as a midshipman. Among famous ships mention are the frigate Constitution and Constellation. No covers and the first few pages are rough with stains and corner losses but no loss to content.
SOLD
A0208 WALKING STICK FROM TIMBER OF THE ROYAL GEORGE
The Royal George was a 100 gun first rate Ship of the Line launched in 1756. In 1782 as flagship of Admiral Kempenfeit she was at anchor off Spithead undergoing repairs. She was heeled over by moving the guns to one side when water began to flood into the lower gunports. She sank taking about 800 sailors, visitors and Admiral Kempenfeit. During the 1830s - 1840s divers recovered some guns and timber which were used to make commemoritive objects, this walking stick being an example.
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The shaft is made from the timber with a turned bronze cap engraved with a scene of the sinking of the Royal George. Around the cap is engraved: Royal George Sank 1782 Raised 1840
$525
A0163 ROBERT DODD (1748-1816) THE MUTINEERS TURNING LIEUT. BLIGH AND PART OF THE OFFICERS AND CREW ADRIFT FROM HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP THE "BOUNTY"
Original uncolored aquatint engraving showing the Bounty in close up detail on left with Fletcher Christian standing atop the taffrail between two breadfruit trees with seaman armed with swords. Bligh standing in the launch as swords are being thrown to the officer. Text below the image describes Bounty expedition to obtain breadfruit and the subsequent mutiny. Painted and engraved by Robert Dodd 1790.
Fine condition: Professionally cleaned, with small repairs to margin folds and perforations. Trimmed with quarter inch margins. 45.5 x 59.6 cm.
SOLD
A0014 19th century sailor's Japanned round felt hat.
This ID'd rare sailor's round hat was found in Long Island, NY. It is made from stiffened felt and Jappaned to make it waterproof. The interior lined with linen canvas and stamped with a makers mark. The hat is identified "Toon Mijnders" a Dutch translation of Tony Mijnders. There are bands on each side which held a hat tally, now missing. This hat is one of two that surfaced on Long Island and probably belonged to Dutch sailors who settled in New York, c 1860
$2150
A0063. PHOTO USS CONTELLATION 1876
Original albumen photograph of the famous USS Constellation now preserved in Baltimore MD. Taken by W H Heiss of Philadelphia in 1876. Hand painted flags, in original walnut frame. 8 x 10 inches (sight)
$350
A0019. NEW YORK NAVY YARD ALARM RATTLE
This alarm rattle is the only one we know of from a navy yard. It is stamped "NYNY" and "US". Overall dark patina and in fine condition. Probably first half 19th century. 11 inches long.
$650
A0156. CARRONADE MODEL
Outstanding early 19th century model of British carronade with cast bronze barrel
rolling trucks and black walnut carriage with sliding iron bar at the front. Missing some parts and small repairs to the back of the carriage.
$3250
A0012. SEA BAG
This early linen sea bag is a rare survivor from the early 19th century. It belonged to Silas Butler 1778-1837 who was a purser and served aboard several vessels including the USS Constellation and was master purser at the New York Navy Yard.
$1450
A0015. EMBROIDERED SAILOR'S HAT USS PHILADELPHIA
This is an outstanding example of sailor's embroidery which was fairly common in the 2nd half of the 19th century. Dating c. 1890 was the last period of sailor's decoration. The USS Philadelphia was an armoured cruiser. Outstanding condition.
SOLD
A0157. US NAVY SHIP BUILDER'S AUGER
Small guage auger for boring holes in ship timber. Marked "U S" with anchor symbol between. c. 1865
$125
A0017. USS CONSTITUTION WOOD COMPOTE
Made from timber of Old Ironsides during the frigate's restoration 1927-1931. Identified by typed paper label on bottom.
$350
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A0021. SET OF SILVER SPOONS, USS AUGUSTA
Engraved with the vessel's name and marked Sunderlin & Weaver with hallmark.
The USS Augusta was originally built as a passenger steamer in 1853. She was purchased by the USN in 1861 and served thoughout the Civil War and beyond until 1868.