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IDENTIFIED SHIP'S FIGUREHEAD. Spectacular 19th Century carved and painted wooden ship's figurehead from the North American bark EDINBURGH. This stunning example of the ship carver's art is dressed in classical attire, adornmed with a ribbon-carved gilt necklace and tiara, central oval brooch and bracelets on each wrist. She poses a striking stance, forward leaning with her right arm across her bosom as she stands on the original base, flanked by Acanthus scrolls. This important artifact was sculpted by the well known Canadian wood carver John Rogerson (1837-1925) who worked in St. John, New Brunswick in the second half of the 19th century. The figurehead stands 73 inches tall inclusive of its small wooden display pedestal and weighs approximately 400 pounds. It is in an outstanding state of preservation with approximately 90% original surfaces and paint.
The EDINBURGH was a Canadian-built and registered 3-masted barque of 203 1/2 feet launched by William Charland, Jr. of St. Joseph de Levis Quebec, Canada in 1883. After 26 years of service, she met her demise in the port of Bermuda where she foundered in 1909. This figurehead was first owned by the American Consul to Bermuda, William H. Allen and was proudly displayed in his garden for several years. In the 1920's she became the property of Francis Turnbull Meyer, a successful businessman from New York. Mr. Meyer, long a patron of the arts, donated the figurehead to the Addison Gallery of American Art at the Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts in 1933 where it was on public exhibit in the Maritime Wing until 2002.
This famous figurehead is well documented in associated literature. In the book "Shipcarvers of North America," M.V. Brewington, 1962, Barre publishing Co., Barre, Massachusetts, the entire page 94 is devoted to a full length photograph of the figurehead with accompanying text. In the landmark work "Treasury of American Design" by Clarence Hornung, published by Abrams, Inc., New York, 1976, the first chapter is entitled "Forgotten Figures Fore and Aft." The frontispiece of chapter I, page 6, is the full page image of this beautiful figurehead
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SCRIMSHAW SWIFT. Genuine 19th century scrimshaw yarn winder, undoubtedly the work of an American whaleman. This complicated device with a particularly pleasing presentation is entirely hand-made employing whale tooth ivory, panbone, tropical mahogany, silver and mother of pearl. It consists of the swift mounted atop a sewing stand. Its 48 whalebone stays are distinctive in that each was laboriously "scalloped" before being incorporated into the mechanism. The finial, cage collars, clamp and base are all carved of whale tooth, while the support column is whale bone. The swift opens, closes and revolves properly and is kept open by means of the threaded whale ivory shaft clamp inlaid with mother-of-pearl. It is mounted atop the sewing stand on a massive, thick whale ivory plinth fastened with silver rivets. The rich mahogany stand is fitted with 8 beautifully turned whale tooth finials, 8 eyelets, whale ivory drawer pull with mother-of-pearl, and pull-out mirror faced with whale bone. The top of the sewing stand lifts off to reveal the compartment within which accommodated 8 spools of thread -- corresponding to the 8 ivory eyelets. This especially lovely display is in an excellent state of preservation. It measures 19 inches tall and approximately one foot in diameter when the swift is fully expanded. The stand itself measures 7 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches deep. Original mounted scrimshaw swifts like this one are quite rare, and this example is certainly one of the finest to come on the market.
A swift, very possibly by the same hand, which exhibits these distinctive sculpted stays, is held in the prestigious scrimshaw collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
On August 22, 2004 a mounted scrimshaw swift sold for a record setting $118,000 at Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
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EARLY SCALE BOAT MODEL. Simply superb, 19th century plank-on-frame boat model of a type of wherry known as a "New York Whitehall." This all wood model was meticulously constructed exactly like the real thing -- hand-fabricated with carefully bent oak frames and sheathing. Joinery is done with precision fits connected by hundreds of tiny wooden pins! This beautiful little rowboat has two thwarts with four rowing stations indicated by exquisitely-crafted removable brass oar locks seated in their flush brass receptacles on the rails. The construction and detail of this realistic model are of the highest order. It measures 12 3/4 inches long with a beam of 4 1/2 inches and a stem post to keel depth of 2 3/4 inches. Condition is outstanding. The patinated surfaces are rich, old and untouched. Undoubtedly this one of the finest models of its type ever built! Circa 1880.
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BUILDER'S PLAQUE. Very rare, original shipbuilder's plaque from the last stern wheel river boat built in America. This heavy bronze plate is cast in high relief "JEAN / Western Transportation Co. / Built By / Commercial Iron Works / Portland, Oregon / Hull No. 15 May, 1938." It measures 10 by 19 inches, weighs 15 pounds and is in outstanding original condition. This plaque was affixed to the front of the pilot house of the sternwheeler JEAN. The mate to it, affixed to the bulkhead of the engineroom, is now in the collection of the Oregon Maritime Museum and Center in Portland, Oregon. This plaque comes with two large, very finely executed blueprint-type line drawings of JEAN with plan, profile, section and end on views executed by Ed Newubaurer former curator. A very historical museum piece complete with valuable vessel information!
The unique twin stern wheel steam tug JEAN was built by Commercial Iron Works, Portland, Oregon in 1938 for the Western Transportation Co., a subsidiary of Crown Zellerbach Corp. The 140 foot long vessel which displaced 533 tons was designed by W. D. McLaren of Vancouver, British Columbia to tow logs and handle large barges on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. She operated until 1957. Stripped of her machinery and equipment, as of 1997 she was still afloat in the Snake River near Lewiston, Idaho in poor condition under private ownership.
In July 2004 it came to our attention that JEAN had been towed from its resting place in Idaho back to its origins near Portland, Oregon on the Columbia slough. Her present status is unknown. However it would appear that there may be a move afoot to preserve the venerable old lady, making this important original builder's relic all the more valuable!
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U.S. NAVY CHRONOMETER WATCH WITH PROVENANCE. The famed World War II U.S. Navy "Chronometer Watch" Model 22, made by the Hamilton Watch Company. This high grade ship's time keeper features a white enameled dial with Arabic numerals, seconds bit, blued steel hands, and is signed "HAMILTON, Lancaster, PA, U.S.A." The UP/DOWN indicator registers a 56 hour duration. The lovely state-of-the-art 21 jewel movement has damascened nickel plates and is marked "Hamilton Watch Co., Model 22 - 21 Jewels, Adj. to Temp. & 6 Pos. Made in U.S.A., U.S. Navy - Bu. Ships - 1942." It is housed in a heavy solid brass case, the bottom of which is marked "MTD WATCH BUREAU OF SHIPS U.S. NAVY (N) 7162-1942" with the matching serial number engraved on the bezel and on the side of the tub reading "HAMILTON 7162". This deck watch is fully gimbaled and is housed in its original solid mahogany chronometer type 3-tier box with brass hardware and front nameplate reading "HAMILTON WATCH CO. LANCASTER, PA, U.S.A." measuring 6 inches cubed. This is contained within the original outer padded carrying case made of lovely hardwood. Condition is absolutely outstanding inside and out and the watch is an excellent time keeper. This chronometer watch last served aboard the famous cruiser USS ASTORIA (CL-90) as identified on the engraved image of the ship affixed inside the lid. Such a chronometer with verifiable ship's history is extremely rare!
In his landmark work, "The Ship's Chronometer" AWI Press, 1985, Marvin Whitney states on page 210 "This 35 size, high quality 21 jeweled movement is an instrument of great beauty, precision, and endurance. Anyone owning one of these fine timepieces has every reason to be proud of the possession."
The USS ASTORIA (CL-90) was laid down as WILKES BARE but was renamed on October 16, 1942 when her namesake, USS ASTORIA (CA-34), sank as a result of severe battle damage incurred in the Battle of Savo Island on the 9th of August 1942 with the loss of 238 lives. The second cruiser ASTORIA was launched at the Cramp Shipyard in Philadelphia on March 6, 1943. She had a length of 610 feet, displaced 10,000 tons and had a crew of 992 officers and men. Her main armament was 12 6 inch guns and 12 5 inch 38's. She was commissioned on May 17th and immediately headed for the Pacific theater where she participated in such famous battles as Luzon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and shore bombardment of the Japanese home island of Honsu in July 1945. ASTORIA received 5 battle stars for her World War II service and was placed out of commission into the fleet reserve, San Francisco, on July 1st, 1949. According to her former owner, this chronometer watch was used aboard ASTORIA and returned to Navy salvage upon her decommissioning.
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EARLY MAST LAMP. Extremely rare second half of the 19th century ship's masthead lamp with the front boldly signed "Barclay, Phillips & Co., 17 Anderson Quay, Glasgow" in lovely hand-engraved script. This extraordinary survivor of the 1800's is of heavy all brass construction with a remarkable hand-blown bulbous glass lens. A rear hinged door with sliding latch provides access to the interior which is complete with the original silvered parabolic reflector. A proper copper oil font and glass chimney (not original to the lamp) are installed. This substantial lantern has a heavy pivoting bail handle on the top fitted with a rotating cast brass eye. The cap of the lamp body is hinged allowing it to swing back in order to view the interior. Both sides of the lamp are equipped with the original cast brass mounting brackets which held the lantern in place on the mast during use. It is in a superb state of original preservation with no dents or losses, and exhibits a nice age patina on all surfaces. The incredibly thick glass lens is in perfect condition! This lamp was presumably electrified at some time in its distant past, noting two small holes; one above and and one below the rear door. 22 inches tall by 12 1/2 inches wide overall and weighing a hefty 18 pounds! Without a doubt the finest and oldest ship's lamp we have ever offered for sale in our 27 years. It is a very rare example of a marine lantern that predates the advent and nearly universal use of the Freznel lens in navigational lighting from the late 1800's onward. A museum piece!
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MINIATURE YACHT BINNACLE. Delightful, 3rd quarter of the 19th century yacht binnacle with the compass bowl signed "Riggs & Bro., Philadelphia, Pa." below the card. The diminutive "wet" compass with an agate pivot, has a white composition card only 2 inches in diameter. Yet it shows the cardinal points of the compass divided to 16ths with North marked by a fleur-de-lis. The substantial compass body is blackened brass slung in gimbals. The binnacle housing is of spun brass with a charming "mushroom" hood which attaches to the base with a bayonet twist. The hood supports a large brass suspension ring on the top, a glazed oval viewing port on the front, a circular rear daylight window and a side lamp holder. The removable lamp has a bail handle and contains its original "tiny" font with burner marked "Pat. June 13, 1863." The binnacle is affixed to its lovely sculpted wooden base in original dark finish with nice patina. This binnacle measures a mere 9 1/2 inches tall to the top of the hood and 11 inches inclusive of the suspension ring. It is 7 inches wide with the lamp holder and measures 7 1/2 inches in diameter on the base. The compass itself is just over 2 3/4 inches in diameter. Overall condition is absolutely remarkable for a working instrument of this type. There are no dents or scratches. The brass surfaces retain a substantial portion of their original lacquer and interior paint. The compass and lamp are both functional and complete. A finer, cuter example is not to be had!
Riggs & Brother were well known 19th century American nautical instrument makers and chandlers. Compasses were their specialty. Founder, William H. C., began his manufactory at 126 South Front Street, Philadelphia in 1848. In 1863 he took his brother Daniel as a partner, moving to 244 South Front Street. The firm continued at various Philadelphia addresses into the early part of the 20th century.
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SHIP'S WATCH TIMER. An extraordinary example of a genuine early 19th century sailing ship's watch timer! This half hour sand glass is constructed using concentrically scribed circular oak ends supported by 4 decoratively turned pine columns. One end bears the remnants of an old red paper label reading in part, "T. C. & A. LOR... ~Time Is For... BIRMINGHAM." The bulbous hand-blown glass contains fine reddish-brown sand, the passage of which marks one of the 8 segments of a ship's watch -- one half hour. This authentic ship's relic from the early days of sail measures 3 5/8 inches in diameter and 6 1/2 inches tall. It is in excellent functional condition. The unfinished wood surfaces are in their original state exhibiting a nice old oxidized surface with good patina. Amazingly, this timer still retains the original cotton cord binding which surrounds and protects the timer, allowing it to be hung during use. It also has both original thin circular wooden strips which cover the glass bulbs on each end. Another very unusual aspect of this offering is that the timer retains its original tin storage canister with lid in original old green paint! The fact that the canister is still present accounts for the remarkable preservation of this rarely-found navigational instrument, good examples of which are almost impossible to find! A genuine ship's sand timer about 175 years old in such pristine condition, complete with identifiable label and other features, makes this offering truly exceptional and worthy of the finest museum!
Gloria Clifton in the "Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851," 1995, National Maritime Museum, London, lists a T(homas) Lor(kin) as a Mathematical Instrument Maker and Ship chandler at a variety of London addresses from 1789-1834. The instruments he advertised included compasses, hourglasses, quadrants, sextants and telescopes.
In the early days of sail ship's personnel stood watch on deck for a period of 4 hours marked by 8 half hour intervals. Before the advent of reliable mechanical timekeepers, it was the duty of the boatswains mate of the watch or the helmsman to monitor the ship's "watch glass" and announce each of its half hour passages with a successive stroke of the helm bell, one through 8. To this day "ship's bell" clocks mimic this ancient seafaring tradition.
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RARE EARLY BAROMETER. Very scarce, mid-19th century French aneroid barometer made by one of the earliest pioneers of such barometers, "Richard, Paris" as signed on the interior brass frame. This so-called "Metallic Barometer" is the rare Bourdon tube type, consisting of a large curved bronze bellows connected by a series of linkages to an incredibly fine rack and pinion device driving the indicator needle. The white, open face dial is marked with the standard weather indications "Stormy, Rain, Fair," etc. and is calibrated from 28 to 31 inches in .05 inch increments. The bottom of the dial is marked "METALLIC BAROMETER" and is flanked by two seals. The first reads, "E. Bourdon and Richards Patent Paris, Gold Medal Exhibition 1849." The other reads "Council Medal Universal Exhibition London 1851." The barometer is housed in its all brass case with gold plated components. The original beveled glass crystal is fitted with a delicate, beautifully reticulated brass set needle. The top of the case is equipped with a stout pivoting brass suspension ring for hanging, and a small aperture with sliding dust cover is set in the back to allow for adjustments. 5 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches deep. Outstanding original condition with a nice age patina to external surfaces. The barometer mechanism is working. An especially early example of this rare form of barometric device. Museum quality!
Webster defines the word 'aneroid' as "using no fluid." The earliest form of aneroid or "elastic metal barometer" dates from 1797, conceived by Nicholas Conte, director of the ballooning school in Mendon, France. Prototypes of his barometer proved inaccurate however, due to their fluctuations with changing temperature. Lucien Vidie (1805-1866) of Nantes succeeded in producing a satisfactory form of aneroid barometer in 1843, despite the prevailing belief at the time that the "inelasticity" of metal made constructing such an instrument impossible. E. Bourdon patented his version of the metallic barometer on June 19, 1849. Both Vidie and Bourdon displayed their barometers at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Later that year Vidie sued Bourdon for patent infringement, but Bourdon won the case with the court deciding on the grounds that Vidie's was nothing more than the Conte barometer described 50 years earlier. The firm of Richard Freres was established in 1858 by Julian Richard, son of the founder and original partner with Bourdon. (W.E. Knowles Middleton, "The History of the Barometer," 1964, Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore, Maryland)
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EARLY HARD HAT HELMET. Authentic very early 1900's American deep sea diving helmet made by "A. J. Morse & Son (Inc.), Boston, Mass." as cast in relief on the oval brass maker's breastplate tag. This early 3 light, 12 bolt commercial helmet is complete and totally original. The "brails" are all stamped with the matching serial number XXXX*, corresponding with matching numbers on the breastplate and bonnet. Indicative of its age, this old helmet has many early characteristics including a squatty, contoured breastplate, lashing eyelets on the top of the bonnet, and 2 hooks -- one on the left (diver's) and one on the right rear for attaching additional weights. It has a screw-on faceplate and telephone box on the diver's immediate right. The telephone connection is to his left. Abaft the phone box and sidelight is the adjustable exhaust valve with bubble diffuser, faced internally with a chin button. Completing the rig are the dumbbell lock and air inlet gooseneck, complete with non-return valve, at the rear of the helmet. This remarkable helmet is in extraordinary original "as last dived" condition, showing use but no abuse, and without any modifications! It retains all of its original tinning inside and out and has acquired a wonderful age patina through the years -- just the way collectors like them!
According to an original 1925 Morse catalog in our reference library, the Morse Company was the first in the United States to manufacture diving equipment. It was begun as a partnership between Morse and Fletcher for the manufacture of brass goods at the corner of Water and Congress Streets in Boston in 1837. During the Civil War Mr. Fletcher retired and the company name changed to Andrew J. Morse & Son in 1864. Andrew J. Morse died in 1881 but the business was carried on by his son William under the same name. In 1905 William F. Morse retired and the business was transfered to his daughter and her husband, Elizabeth and Mark A. Lawton. It was then that the company was first incorporated and the company name of Andrew J. Morse & Son (Inc.) was adopted. It continued under that name until 1940 when the name changed to the Morse Diving Equipment Company.
In his landmark reference book, "Helmets of The Deep," author Leon Lyons depicts and describes an identical 3 light Morse helmet on page 84 dating it at "Circa 1915."
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SCRIMSHAW PIE CRIMPER. Simply superb 19th century American scrimshaw jagging wheel. This lovely example of the whaleman's art is sculpted from a single piece of whale ivory -- there is no joinery. As such it was carved out of a huge sperm whale tooth! The graceful snake-like form terminates with an eagle's head handle that measures slightly over 7 inches in length. The finely crenelated whale ivory wheel measures 2 inches in diameter and is pinned to the handle with the original copper rivet. The entire crimper is in an outstanding state of original preservation with a mellow age patina. There are the usual tiny age checks in the ivory as expected, however none affect the integrity. Complete with a high quality custom-made display stand 8 inches long. A stunning example of this form of scrimshaw!
Provenance: Nantucket Island
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IMPORTANT PAINTING. Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen (1850-1921), Danish-American, oil on heavy artist's board of the passenger steamer ATLANTA underway at sea with pennants and flags flying. A classic Jacobsen broadside portrait which pleasingly portrays the famous Chesapeake Line steamer plying a placid sea off the southeast coast of the United States. This painting certainly ranks of one of this prolific artist's best renderings, with tight execution and attention to detail. It is boldly signed and dated lower right, "Antonio Jacobsen. 1906 31 Palisade Av West Hoboken. NJ". The large format painting measures 22 by 36 inches sight and is housed in its very nice, period ornate frame 28 by 42 inches. Condition is excellent. The painting has been professionally cleaned and conserved. When viewed under ultraviolet light, there are indications of some inpainting in the sky. The vessel is completely untouched. Most importantly this painting is completely stable and does not suffer from losses or exfoliation, as do a preponderance of Jacobsen's works from the period in this medium.
Provenance: Ex. collection National Maritime Museum (Mariners' Museum), Newport News, Virginia. Literature: Sniffen, "The Checklist" 1984, The Mariners' Museum, number 39/12. An original letter from John B. Hightower, Director and CEO of the Mariners' Museum, certifies the provenance of this painting.
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DIVING HELMET. Authentic, first half of the 1900's American shallow water diving helmet made by the "Miller Dunn Company, Miami, Florida" as indicated on the embossed maker's plate on the right front of the helmet. This classic "Style 3 Divinhood" is of contoured spun copper with heavy solid brass cast fittings. It is in absolutely mint condition. It does not appear that it was ever used and still retains more than 95% of its factory-applied red lead coating!
In his pictographic reference book on hard hat diving, "Helmets of The Deep," 1988, Lyons, Hollywood, Florida, author Leon Lyons shows a highly polished example of the "Style 3 Divinhood" on page 116. On the Internet at: http://www.divingheritage.com/swmillerdunnkern.htm another Style 3 Divinhood is pictured with the caption "One for the road. This beauty shines like a new one." That helmet, originally purchased from West Sea Company, is an example of how beautiful such helmets look when highly polished. However it is NOT like a "new one" since helmets originally came from the factory coated in red lead paint and were never polished. The Miller Dunn shallow water helmet series began with the "Style I" in 1916 and evolved into the "Style 3 Divinhood" by 1940. The Miller Dunn Company also produced the traditional Mark V deep water helmet in limited quantities for the U.S. Navy during World War II. By the 1950's the company had ceased production.
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IMPORTANT TELESCOPE. Most impressive, research grade 19th century telescope made by "R. MAILHAT, 41 Bould St, Jacques, Paris" as signed on the end of the main tube. This massive tripod telescope has a huge 5 inch achromatic objective lens on the end of its 6 foot main barrel. It is equipped with rack and pinion focusing and a small "sighting scope" for initially spotting a subject. The all original optics produce a stunningly clear, highly magnified, upright image at the eyepiece. Of particular significance is the amazing tripod and mount of this telescope. The heavy turret head assures the telescope's stability while affording the user train and elevation functions by means of the ivory-tipped "wands" which operate worm gears on both axes. The tripod is further complicated by the hand crank with stop which allows the viewer to adjust the entire telescope for height of eye! As pictured, this telescope stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and measures over seven and a half feet in length when focused at infinity. This is the finest quality telescope in the best, virtually pristine original condition, that we have ever seen offered in our 30 years!
Provenance: Last used in the Astronomy Department of the University of Mexico, Mexico City.
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RARE STERN SIGNAL LAMP. Extraordinary and extremely rare English ship's stern lamp from the very earliest part of the last century by the noted maker William Harvie of Glasgow, Scotland. This massive ship's stern running light is constructed entirely of heavy brass and copper, weighs an astounding 25 pounds, and has the unusual secondary function of being a signal lamp! On the right side of the lamp is affixed a heavy spring-loaded brass lever which connects via a complex linkage to 5 vertical shutters behind the lens inside the lamp. These shutters pivot 90 degrees when the lever is depressed, effectively opening and closing the light source. There is also a provision for locking the shutters open for constant illumination. This exceptionally well made lamp features heavy double wall construction with an extremely thick bull's eye lens. The slide-in burner with extra large oil sump has a glazed viewing window, filler cap, and double wick advance knobs, allowing these functions to be operated remotely without having to remove the burner, as necessitated with most marine lamps. The rear of the burner is equipped with a silvered, parabolic mirror to maximize the light output. This lamp is signed and dated in several locations. The back of the burner assembly bears the brass maker's label reading "Wm Harvie Patented 1884, 13-746, 222 Broomielaw, Glasgow." The rear panel on this lamp is removed by grasping the attached ring and sliding the panel upward. This panel is impressed "Wm Harvie 1901" and is equipped with two sliding tabs (one now missing) -- one for viewing the burner, and the other for adjusting the air flow to the interior. Just above the panel, on the rear top of the lamp is affixed a brass tag reading "Suspend Lantern When In Use, If Vessel Is Rolling Through A total Arc Of More Than 20". The top "chimney" of the lamp is equipped with a hinged cover with knurled locking screw and an extra hefty folding brass handle. The front of the chimney is also impressed "Wm Harvie 1901." Just below a brass maker's tag is affixed with solder and rivets. It bears some numbers and writing, but is quite worn with age. This heavy duty marine lantern stands 20 inches high and 11 inches wide. It is in very good original condition considering it is over 100 years old. The thick bull's eye lens is perfect. There are a number of minor dents. More significantly, the lamp was electrified for use as a table light at some point. The top cap has been drilled with a 3/8 inch diameter hole and another small hole is in the side of the lamp just below the signaling lever. The internal burner is an old replacement and as a result the remote burner advance knobs do not connect to it. Despite these minor flaws, this certainly rates as one of the most unusual and beautifully made marine lanterns we have handled in our long tenure.
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CHRONOMETER BY FAMOUS MAKER. Rare and highly desirable second quarter of the 19th century English 2-day ship's chronometer by one of England's most imminent makers "Dent. 82 Strand. London. No. 1548" as engraved on the silvered brass dial. This 2-day marine timekeeper is of the 2 day type with a 56 hour Up/Down indicator, Roman numerals, minute-divided chapter, exquisitely fine blue steel Breguet-type "moon" hands and subsidiary seconds bit with hair thin second hand at the 6 o'clock position. It has the very desirable early form convex domed glass crystal with large dial and measures 4 inches in diameter. The precision movement features a complex compensated balance with several timing weights, helical blued steel hairspring, diamond end cap, and highly finished brass plates and pillars. It is of the spring détente type with a chain fusee drive. The underside of the top plate is numbered "1548" which matches the bowl stamped "DENT 1548" in the bottom. The exterior of the tub has a very unusual winding arbor dust cover -- a feature which is likely a carryover from Dent's association with 18th century chronometer maker, John Arnold. It consists of a long, pivoted lever with end cap which is held in place over the arbor hole by means of a leaf spring! The entire assembly, including the gimbal ring and gimbal box lock, is functional and in its original old lacquered finish. It is housed in its original simple rich grained African mahogany box with box lock fronted by an inlaid brass "star" escutcheon, ivory disc reading "DENT 1548," and folding side drop handles. The box is constructed in the classic 3-tier style with glazed upper viewing cover. Both the lid and the middle section are supported with stop hinges which hold the box open in a fixed position for viewing. This entire presentation is just about as near perfect, untouched condition, as last used aboard ship, as is possible. The finish is original. All surfaces are original, unrestored and bear a nice old patina. There is one small age crack to the uppermost lid -- expected in wood over 150 years old! Complete with both the original box lock and ratcheted chronometer winding keys. 6 1/4 inches square by 6 3/4 inches high. A superb example of an early marine chronometer by one of the most famous makers of all time.
John Edward Dent was one of Britain's finest horologers. He is best known as the maker of London's "Big Ben" tower clock. Born in 1790, he was apprenticed to his uncle. In 1814 he went into usiness on his own account and gained notoriety by winning the Greenwich Premium Trials with his chronometer number 114. In 1830 he entered into a 10 year partnership with the famous chronometer maker John Arnold and was granted the Royal Warrant in 1841 as "Chronometer Maker to the Queen and HRH Prince Albert." According to Tony Mercer in "Chronometer Makers of the World," Dent was "an eloquent man, continually writing to horological and scientific journals and he took out many patents." He was also known for producing a sun dial called the "Dipleidoscope" for setting pocket watches, early aneroid barometers, and ships' steering compasses. He died in 1853.
The serial number of this chronometer is "1548" dating it circa 1841. This very number is cited on page 711 of Vaudrey Mercer's book "Edward John Dent," 1977, Antiquarian Horological Society, London. Page 774 of the same reference shows Dent chronometer number 1558 as "Purchased Dec. 28, 1841." Obviously chronometer number 1548 is earlier.
The second tier lid of this chronometer bears the old repairer's label reading "Established 1793 William Bond & Son Jewelers, Fine Watch and Clock Repairing, 9 Park Street, Boston, Lafayette 3370." William Bond was the first American to produce and sell genuine American-made chronometers in significant numbers. His workshop is now preserved in the Smithsonian. The fact that Bond's label is on this chronometer would suggest that it saw service on American ships.
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AMERICAN SALUTING CANNON. Exceptional solid bronze cannon with folding breach block signed "MANF'D BY THE STRONG FIRE ARMS -CO- NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A." and marked with the company logo of a spread winged eagle perched atop arrows. This fine 19th century American signaling cannon has a barrel measuring 15 inches in length with a bore of 7/8ths inch and a barrel diameter of 3 1/2 inches at the breach. It is percussion fired by means of a pivoted bronze hammer actuated by a lanyard, which strikes a steel firing pin. Within the chamber is a spring-loaded extractor for removing the 8 gauge shell casing. The cannon is mounted on trunions to its original cast iron field carriage marked on either side in relief "STRONG FIRE ARMS CO." Below the rear of the barrel is the elevating gear which raises and lowers the cannon by means of a 4-pronged threaded brass jack screw. The carriage is supported on two cast iron "wagon wheels" measuring 14 inches in diameter and 1 foot in total width. The length of the field carriage is 30 inches overall and 15 inches high as shown. What is unique about this presentation is that the cannon comes complete with its original matching "limber" with pivoting rear axle for towing -- just like a real field artillery piece of that era! As so configured the entire unit measures 37 1/2 inches long. Excellent original condition with a nice patinated bronze surfaces and all iron work in original finish free of rust.
Last used at the Hanover Military Academy, Taylorville, Virginia.
The "Strong Fire Arms Company" was founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1884, Horace H. Strong, president. Formerly the Strong Cartridge Company, the cartridge manufactory of the company was sold in 1883 to a consortium of companies, with Winchester Repeating Arms being one of the participants. In 1889 Levi T. Snow took over the Strong firm and changed the company name to "L.T. Snow." Snow remained as director until 1897. In 1906 the company became Snow & Petrelli, but apparently no longer produced cannons as there was no mention of yacht cannons in their advertising. The company appears to have gone out of business in 1919. Some examples of Strong cannons are extant with patent dates in the 1880's. It is safe to assume then that this example dates to 1889 or before -- the date of the Snow takeover and company name change from "Strong."
This exact cannon is pictured and identified by Cannon Mania as a "Rare Strong cannon with double wheels!"
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SAILING SHIP WHEEL. Massive, genuine ship's helm from a 19th century wind jammer. This impressive ship's wheel from the days of sail measures 5 feet 6 inches across and 9 inches thick at the center, with the rim being 3 1/2 inches thick. It weighs an incredible 128 pounds! It is constructed of beautifully turned solid mahogany with a solid bronze hub, rarely found original hub cover, and circular brass inlays on both sides. The condition of this classic ship's wheel is excellent noting the expected minor chips and age cracks consistent with a working ship relic approximately 150 years old! Very rare in this size and of this age and condition. A museum piece.
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CARVED WALRUS TUSK. Absolutely incredible 19th century carved walrus tusk depicting a Samurai warier carrying two small boys and standing atop a Fu Lion. This amazing example of the ivory carver's art is meticulously executed in an utterly charming style, rich with character! It is signed on the bottom in Kanji characters and stands slightly over 9 inches tall by 2 1/2 inches thick. Perfect condition. A rare period example of highly sought after Japanese ivory carving work in a scrimshaw medium. Without a doubt this is the finest example of walrus tusk carving that we have ever seen!
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SUN DIAL. Genuine late 17th or very early 18th C. portable dial of the Butterfield type constructed entirely of sterling silver and signed "Chapoto, "Paris" This diminutive horizontal dial is constructed in the classic Butterfield form with bird gnomon allowing for adjusting the instrument for the observer's latitude and with inset magnetic compass showing the cardinal points. The tablet is engraved with three hour bands, the outer delineated by Roman numerals and the inner two in Arabic. The inner bands are divided by half hour intervals, whereas the outer is divided down to 15 minutes, and is additionally marked "Pour 50 Degre." The reverse of the dial is very handsomely decorated with engraved floral designs and the latitudes of the prominent cities of Europe such as "Marseille 43 (sic), Rome 42, Vienne 49 (sic), Londres 51 (sic), etc. A leaf spring stop on the bottom is linked to the gnomon to retain it in a perpendicular position while in use. Measuring a mere 1 1/4 inches wide by 2 3/8 inches long, this instrument is in exceptionally fine condition throughout.
Michael Butterfield was an English scientific instrument maker who settled in Paris in 1677. Soon thereafter his workshop began to produce a very popular miniature dial with an octagonal base and a distinctive triangular gnomon supported by a bird, the beak of which indicated declination for latitude. So popular were these instruments that they became know as "Butterfield dials" despite the fact that several other makers produced them. The rare example offered here is oval in form, unique amongst such dials of the era, and probably quite early.
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PRESIDENTIAL SHIP'S PASSPORT. Extremely rare and historically important presidential document assuring the safe passage of an American vessel. This official early 19th century American document has original signatures of three very famous American personages. It is personally signed by the President of the United States, John Quincy Adams and is also co-signed by his Secretary of State, Henry Clay and the Collector of the Port of Salem, Massachusetts, Benjamin Crowninshield. This early document was issued to the Schooner FRIENDSHIP and reads in part (sic), "By the President of the United States of America, Suffer the Schooner Friendship, William Bartole, master or commander of the burthen of one hundred and ten tons or thereabouts mounted with no guns navigated with six men To Pass with her Company, Passengers, Goods and Merchandise without any hinderance, seisure or molestation... Given under my Hand and Seal of the United States of America the twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord thousand eight hundred and twenty six." This lovely document is on parchment-type paper with an engraved image of full-rigged ship at the top below which is another engraved image of an American port, probably Boston. It is affixed with the embossed Presidential seal and bears the "number Two." The top of this document is hand-cut in a wavy fashion as was the practice of the time. The uppermost portion of the document was retained by the Government and used as a "proof" of authenticity of it by matching the cut edges, should its validity ever be called into question. The actual document measures 11 1/4 by 13 inches and is in excellent original condition. As expected, it was originally folded. However it was long ago laid down on a stiff backing rendering the folds virtually unnoticeable. The quality paper is slightly toned with age but exhibits virtually no foxing and no tears or losses. The ink of the signatures and hand-written entries is somewhat faded with time but still very legible and distinct. An extremely important document of great significance in early American maritime history. Nicely framed and preserved under glass.
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States and the first President who was the son of a President. J. Q. Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1767, and watched the Battle of Bunker Hill from the top of Penn's Hill above the family farm. As a young man President Madison appointed him Minister to Russia and under President Monroe, Adams was one of America's great Secretaries of State, arranging with England for the joint occupation of the Oregon country, obtaining from Spain the cession of the Floridas, and helping to formulate the Monroe Doctrine. Upon becoming President, Adams appointed the feisty Henry Clay, famous orator of War of 1812 fame and later Speaker of the House, as Secretary of State. John Quincy Adams served as President from 1825-1829, succeeded by the illustrious Andrew Jackson. In 1830, the Plymouth district elected Adams the House of Representatives, and there for the remainder of his life he served as a powerful leader. He died February 23, 1848.
As a matter of great interest it should be noted that about the time of the issuance of this document the emergence of the Barbary Pirates was of great concern to the fledgling United States fleet. Up until then, ship passports listed the vessel tonnage, armaments, and crew. In an effort to conceal that important information from potential enemies such specifics were withheld on similar documents issued after about 1827. This then represents the earlier form of a Presidential Passport.
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