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A Literal Link to Benedict Arnold.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 130.00 USD
A Literal Link to Benedict Arnold.
Hand-forged iron spike from the British Revolutionary War ship George, captured from the Redcoats in Quebec in 1775, renamed Enterprise and personally commanded by Benedict Arnold. 7 3/4 long, 7/16" thickness maximum. "Enterprise was, at first, the most significant warship in the Lake Champlain squadron - which was charged with maintaining American control of the lake early in the war - and at times she acted as flagship for 'Benedict] Arnold. Control of Lake Champlain and the adjoining Hudson River would have enabled the British to cut off vital supply routes between New England and the other colonies...." Fighting in the Battle of Valcour Island, near Plattsburg, N.Y., "the battle was a strategic victory for the Americans, as they had disrupted the British invasion into N.Y. such that it couldn't be mounted before the onset of winter. It was nearly a year before the advance could be renewed, eventually resulting in a decisive American victory in the Battle of Saratoga..."--wikipedia. Found in wreck of this Continental Navy sloop - the first American warship to bear the name Enterprise - burned to prevent capture in 1777. Understandable corrosion and flame-toning, imparting striking burnt-orange mottling, else good, and splendid for display. With modern research. Now rare.