November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Civil War souvenir cane reflecting an interesting part of Civil War history. The cane is constructed of a wood shaft, lower brass ferrule, silvered brass collar, and a circular ivory handle. The silvered collar sheds light on the significance of the cane, as it is engraved "A relic from the Merimac" in reference to the steam frigate USS Merrimack, often misspelled "Merrimac" like the engraving although lacking the second R. The USS Merrimack is perhaps best known as the hull upon which the ironclad warship CSS Virginia was constructed, which points to the brass plaque that wraps around the diameter of the haft towards the center. The plaque measures approximately 10" in length and reads "Mders on the C.S. Virginia at the Battle of the First Iron~Clads". The rest of the plaque is engraved with approximately 22 names, all of who were Maryland native sailors who served aboard the CSS Virginia. Their names are all mentioned on the CSS Virginia's muster roll from November 1861-May 1862, and a folder with this information accompanies the relic. The top of the ivory handle features a small silvered capstan which bears the initials "FBH". These are perhaps the initials of the owner, however there are no crew members listed with such initials. The cane was most likely crafted from the wood of the Merrimack's hull as a souvenir of the steam frigate. The CSS Virginia was destroyed by Confederate forces on May 11, 1862 and the it is possible that the cane was obtained and crafted after the war, since reports from the era indicate that her wreck was heavily salvaged following the war. Measures approximately 34 - 3/4" CONDITION: The handle exhibits several hairline cracks with a pleasing honey patina. Plaque exhibits a dark patina with spotting from age and wear. The haft is sturdy with slightly loose ferrule and collar. Overall very good.
Item Dimensions: 34 - 3/4"
Paperwork
Folder of Research