$2,938
Federal Gilt Gesso and Wood Mirror, Massachusetts, circa 1815, the molded cornice with applied spherules above a tablet showing the sea battle, "Escape of the Constitution from the Tenedos & Pendymion," within a stenciled floral border above the mirror glass bordered by rope-twisted pilasters, (minor imperfections), lg. 38 1/4, wd. 16 1/4 in. Note: In 1814, after breaking the British blockade of Boston Harbor, the USS Constitution raided the Leeward Island area, capturing a number of British merchantmen and the HMS Pictou . While returning to Boston for repairs, the Constitution was chased into Marblehead Harbor by HMS Pendymion and HMS Tenedos. American artilleryman at Fort Sewell at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor fired their only cannon ball in a successful bluff to keep the British ar bay, thus allowing the Constitution to seek refuge in Marblehead Harbor.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2005-11-06
