LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Civil War Auction #674  / 

72236

SASH AND KEY- THOMAS CHEW PURSER ON CONSTITUTION

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
SASH AND KEY- THOMAS CHEW PURSER ON CONSTITUTION
<B>A RED SASH AND KEY TO THE POWDER MAGAZINE - THOMAS CHEW, PURSER ON USS </B></I><B><I>CONSTITUTION</B></I></B></I><B>.</B></I><BR> Thomas J. Chew was the purser on board the U.S.S.<I> Constitution</B></I> during the War of 1812. A 30-year career Naval officer, Chew kept many mementos of his service aboard "Old Ironsides." One such artifact was this key to the west powder magazine of the ship. The massive 8" heavy brass key has the letters 'O. W.' stamped into it and has a brass plate with the inscription 'Reverse Fires West Magazine Outside Door'. Also included with the key is Chew's 40" red silk sash.<BR><BR>Thomas John Chew was born January 28, 1777 and entered the United States Navy in 1799 and was commissioned a Purser on April 25, 1812. His brush with fame came as he personally witnessed Captain James Lawrence utter the words which became a Navy motto, <I>Don't give up the ship,</B></I> Lawrence ordered as he died of his wounds in battle. Chew also served on the United States ships <I>Chesapeake</B></I> and <I>Washington</B></I> before his death in 1846.<BR><B><BR>Condition:</B></I> The key is in good condition with a dark patina throughout.<BR><B><BR>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR><B><BR>Exhibited: </B></I><I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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