Copper Bolt from the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”, Forged by Paul Revere / Sold

Copper Bolt from the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”, Forged by Paul Revere - Inventory Number: ART 376 / SOLD

Large copper bolt from the keel of the USS Constitution, the U.S. Navy frigate nicknamed “Old Ironsides’ during the War of 1812. The ship is the world’s oldest still afloat, launched in 1797 and extensively restored in 1927. It was during this restoration that this 8” copper bolt was removed from the ship’s hull. Secretary of War Henry Knox explained there had been a mistake in the bolt order from England. “Unfortunately, a mistake in copying the directions for the bolts at the Office of the Commissioners of the revenue last year, has occasioned the sending out the largest bolts of 1 7/8ths inches diameter instead of 1 & 3/8ths. Experiments have been made to reduce them. It is under consideration whether to reduce them or not. The bolts which have arrived here are of pure copper. Legendary patriot and metal worker Paul Revere was tasked with the project of reducing the diameter of the bolts. This specimen is mounted into an oak board with a descriptive plaque that reads “This material was taken from the original hull of the U.S. frigate Constitution. Keel laid 1794 Rebuilding 1927. The back side of the board has the typewritten description “This rivet forged by Paul Revere was removed from the bottom planking of the U.S.S. Constitution during reconstruction at Charlestown Navy Yard.” Above this is a handwritten tag that treads “Presented to F. J. Power Jr. by Thomas Hodgens of Boston, engineer of restoration.” A scarce relic from the legendary “Old Ironsides.”

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 Inventory Number: ART 376 / SOLD