Historic Americana
Rare USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" Candlestick Holder
1927 USS Constitution Renovation Period, Decorative Large Wooden Candlestick Holder, Custom Constructed of the Original Ship's various colored Wood, Choice Extremely Fine.


This beautifully crafted decorative antique Handmade Candlestick Holder was made from wood taken from the USS Constitution during its 1927 Renovation and major rebuilding of the ship. It measures approximately 9" tall x 5.75" in diameter at its base. Penciled on the bottom is: "Made from pieces taken from the USS Constitution 1927." The base features a compass motif with four directional points. Beautiful naturally aged patina on the light to dark custom made pattern of the wood and perfect for display. Possibly a unique piece of historic Folk Art constructed from the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" and is the only such example we have offered. A "museum" quality collector item, the first and only example of this type we have offered, which is certain to attract competitive bidding.
The keel of the historic ship USS Constitution was laid in 1794 and the ship was launched from Boston in 1797. A three-masted heavy frigate with 44 guns, she was built to provide protection to U.S. merchant ships during the quasi-war with France and to defeat Barbary pirates. She was given the name USS Constitution by President George Washington.



The ship is most famous for her actions during the War of 1812 when she defeated five British warships at separate times during the war. Because of her thick construction enemy cannonballs bounced of her sides and she was given the nickname "Old Ironsides," which was commemorated in the poem of the same name by Oliver Wendell Holmes. She served as a flagship until retired in 1881. In 1907 she became a museum ship and was fully restored in 1927-1931. One of the most famous ships in U.S. Naval history, the USS Constitution is now anchored in Boston Harbor and is considered a national treasure.