Presentation Cane of Pvt. Benjamin F. Taylor, 76th New York Infantry Wood from the Confederate Ironclad CSS Virginia (ex-USS Merrimack) / On-hold

Description

Presentation Cane of Pvt. Benjamin F. Taylor, 76th New York Infantry

Wood from the Confederate Ironclad CSS Virginia (ex-USS Merrimack)

 

This highly significant Civil War presentation cane is constructed from a documented piece of wood taken from the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia—formerly the captured Union warship USS Merrimack—one of the most iconic naval vessels of the American Civil War.

The cane features a polished horn handle, fitted to a turned wooden shaft, with an original silver presentation collar secured by period fasteners. The silver collar is engraved and inscribed to:

“B. F. Taylor, Cortland NY”

 

Accompanying period documentation states that the cane’s shaft was fashioned from wood recovered from the Virginia, the famed Confederate ram that revolutionized naval warfare during the Battle of Hampton Roads in March 1862. Presentation objects made from Virginia/Merrimack material are rare and were typically produced as commemorative souvenirs for Union soldiers or veterans, often honoring notable service.

 

The cane is attributed to Private Benjamin F. Taylor (1841–1915), Company C, 76th New York Infantry Regiment—the “Cortland County Regiment.” Taylor enlisted in September 1861 and served until November 1864, seeing extensive frontline service.

 

Taylor’s postwar obituary and regimental accounts confirm his presence at the Battle of Gettysburg, where the 76th New York was heavily engaged on July 1, 1863. Notably, Taylor was among the soldiers involved in the immediate aftermath of Major General John F. Reynolds’ death, assisting in removing the fallen corps commander’s body from the front line—an act of solemn duty long remembered within the regiment.

 

A historic relic bridging naval and battlefield history and connecting the technological revolution at Hampton Roads with the human sacrifice at Gettysburg.

 

Inventory Number: VET 383