WHALEBONE AND WHALE IVORY SEAL BELONGING TO REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH W. SMITH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Mid-19th Century
Three arms extend from a tetrahedral block. One arm is topped with a mother-of-pearl disk engraved with Smith's monogram. One arm with "J.W. Smith" script signature stamp. Third arm with diamond-point wax sealer.
Length 3.75".
Notes:
Joseph W. Smith (1790-1877), born in Boston and raised in Hanover, Massachusetts, served in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812, the Civil War and the the Mexican-American War. He was severely wounded during the Battle of Lake Champlain in 1814 and his son, Lt. Joseph B. Smith, was killed in action when a Confederate ironclad sank a Union frigate in 1862. Smith was promoted to rear admiral in 1862, one of the first officers ever promoted to this rank. He fully retired in 1871 after 62 years of continuous service.

Small age cracks, but overall very good.

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