Provenance:
From the esteemed maritime history collection of Dr. Louis A. Norton—noted naval historian, author, and patron of the USS Constitution Museum.
About This Item:
This is a rare, complete matched pair of antique nautical relic bookends from the historic Constitution 1927 nationwide restoration campaign. These heavy bookends are beautifully hand-carved in the form of a ship's cannon breech, crafted directly from the 18th-century live oak and white oak hull timbers salvaged during the frigate's 1927–1931 drydock rebuild.
One base features the original, authentic stamped brass presentation plaque which reads:
“This material was taken from the original hull of the U.S. Frigate Constitution. Keel laid 1794. Rebuilding 1927.”
(Note: As was standard practice for these official souvenirs, only one bookend in the matching pair received the brass plaque).
Condition:
Excellent antique condition. The wood displays a rich color and prominent grain. It features natural checking (minor surface drying cracks) that is completely typical of two-century-old marine timber, serving as an excellent authentication marker. The projecting side trunnions and cascabels are fully intact and structurally solid.
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