War of 1812
Bottom Copper Sheet, Nail, and Wooden Plank Removed from the USS CONSTITUTION a.k.a. "OLD IRONSIDES"
c. 1927 Major Renovation of the U.S. Frigate Constitution Custom Mounted Display Including: an Original Construction Small Bottom Copper Sheet, Copper Nail, and Oak Wood Plank removed from "Old Ironsides", Choice Extremely Fine.
This Custom Professionally Built Hanging Display "CHELSEA 'CONSTITUTION' LTD EDITION 200TH ANNIVERSARY SHIP'S CLOCK" and includes added materials taken from "Old Ironsides" when she underwent extensive rebuilding and renovations in 1927. The wooden oak plank measures about 11.5" x 7" and is finished and sealed more nicely than others we have seen or offered. A small rectangular piece of thin Copper measuring 3.25" x 1-3/8" and an old, square-head Copper Nail (both of the Copper items were likely supplied during original 1790s construction by Paul Revere), are mounted to the plank, along with a "1797 - 1997" Bicentennial Modern heavy Brass Commemorative "U.S.S Constitution" Clock produced by the Chelsea Clock Company of Massachusetts. Overall, this is a lovely, hefty custom made maritime display measures about 13" x 8.5" that is ready for display. The key for winding the clock mechanism is lacking, yet a duplicate could likely be supplied by the manufacturer. Also accompanied by a framed "Certificate of Authenticity" issued jointly by the U.S.S Constitution Museum and the Chelsea Clock Company dated July 4, 1997. We believe the original issue price for the Clock alone was in excess of $2,000. (2 items) Provenance Ex. Alexander Gaston Collection.
CHELSEA 'CONSTITUTION' LTD ED 200TH ANNIVERSARY SHIP'S CLOCK - Chelsea 4 1/2 inch 'Constitution Ship's Bell Clock, 1997'. This clock was a special edition of 500 manufactured in 1997 to commemorate her 200th birthday at which she sailed under her own power. The clock has a typical Chelsea engraved silver dial, however, below the numeral 12 is an engraving of a ship which is titled 'U.S.S. Constitution, 1797-1997'.
The dial is also marked 'Chelsea Ship's Bell'. The clock is mounted on a plank remnant from the ship bearing a scrap of copper bottom cladding, presumed obtained during her 1992-1995 restoration. Engraved brass plate "Bottom Copper and Plank from Old Ironsides", 13 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 5"