Relic Constructed from the U.S.S. Constitution and the U.S.S. Congress

Description

Relic Constructed from the U.S.S. Constitution and the U.S.S. Congress

A finely carved wooden book, measuring 2 ¼” x 1 ½”, crafted from historic timbers salvaged from the U.S.S. Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) and the U.S.S. Congress. The miniature is neatly shaped in the form of a closed volume, symbolizing knowledge and patriotic devotion, with a warm, aged patina attesting to its 19th-century origins. The hand painted gold painted provenance reads: “U.S. Ship Congress 1799 Portsmouth” and “U.S. Ship Constitution 1797 Boston”. The U.S.S. Constitution, launched in 1797, is the Navy’s most celebrated warship, famed for her victories during the War of 1812. The U.S.S. Congress, also launched in 1799, served with distinction during the early Republic and Mexican War, later achieving tragic notoriety when destroyed by the Confederate ironclad Virginia (ex-Merrimack) at the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862. Relics fashioned from the timbers of these iconic ships were popular patriotic souvenirs in the 19th century, treasured as tangible connections to America’s early naval glory. This example, uniting wood from both vessels, is especially scarce and desirable, representing two of the most famous frigates in U.S. naval history.

Inventory Number: MIS 317