*76. WAR OF 1812 CONGRESSIONAL PRESENTATION SWORD FOR THE CAPTURE OF THE BRITISH

SLOOP "REINDEER" BY THE UNITED STATES SLOOP OF WAR "WASP" on June 28th, 1814. Straight,

32" long blade etched with name of Portsmouth, NH native "HENRY S. LANGDON, MID-

SHIPMAN/Reindeer Captured 28th

June 1814". Blade also etched with

leaf and other fancy designs and a

depiction of a naval battle with both vessels closely engaged. Reverse of blade with motto

"Altius Ibunt Qui Ad/Summa Nituntur"(He who aims highest, rises highest). Top of blade

with etcher/engraver name "MEER"(John Meer, Philadelphia). This type sword was award-

ed to participants in four War

of 1812 engagements and was

the first, and last, time that

Congress awarded swords to

warrant officers. The swords

presented for the Wasp and Reindeer engagement are the only ones with gilt silver hilts while all the others

are gilt bronze. Handsome, 6" tall hilt with pommel being the head of a Roman soldier. Each side of grip with

high relief mermaid holding a vase over her head. Nicely pierced knucklebow with center medallion depicting

a classic female bust. The large counterguard beautifully embellished in relief with an American Eagle on a

cannon with anchor and flags in background, all of which is bordered in foli-

ate designs. Underside of guard decorated with laurel wreath & ribbon that

is flanked on each side with letters "U S". Reverse guard with oval that is

bordered by 18 relief stars. Nine of these silver hilted swords were awarded

and so far the whereabouts of only four are known. Of the four only one has

the original scabbard. At great effort and expense Peter Tuite was able to

gain access to the existing original for measurements and to have exact

moulds made so that the mounts could be cast in silver as were the origi-

nals. The 3 1/2" tall top mount decorated with a trident passing through a plant. Center mount with foliate

design and 4 1/2" bottom mount handsomely decorated with relief dolphin entwined around a large

anchor that is surrounded by a foliate border. The top and middle mounts are fitted with carrying

rings. The scabbard is black leather decorated along edges with incised lines. Overall condition of

everything excellent. Blade mostly in grey metal with all etching strong and visible. During the bat-

tle Henry S. Langdon was severely wounded receiving a musket ball in the breast. A couple of

quotes from the book "Captain Blakeley and the Wasp" sums up the bravery of Langdon "Although

seriously wounded, Langdon nevertheless refused to be taken on deck or to quit his post. With a

veteran composure of the battle he kept encouraging his men to keep cool and take good aim".

Langdon ultimately died on August 1, 1814. Also included is a small publication printed by order of

the Senate of the United States. It is titled "Letter from The Secretary of the Navy transmitting The

Official Account of the Capture of the British Sloop of War Reindeer by the United States Sloop

WASP..." It is dated "October 17, 1814" and Langdon is listed in it as "dangerously wounded" during the bat-

tle. This exact sword is given a full page color illustration on page 141 of Peter Tuite's book "U.S. Naval

Officers Their Swords and Dirks". A rare and important piece of early United States naval history.  59,500.00

*77. SUPERB SCRIMSHAW CARVED POWDER HORN FEATURING A LARGE DEPICTION OF U.S.

NAVAL VESSEL "WASP". Below starboard view of vessel are

names "WASP" and "JAMES CONSTANTINE WHEELER". Nice

large size being 12"l. x 3 1/2" diameter at bottom where there is

an inset wood plug that retains old/original blue paint that is

nicely worn from age and use. Nicely carved spout with serrated

base. Entire surface profusely engraved with patriotic and other

motifs. Included are 3 American Eagles with one having a shield

and banner inscribed "E Pluribus Unum". There are two

American flags and another patriotic shield. Off the stern of the

Wasp is a fouled anchor above a coastline with lighthouse. Balance of surface covered with numerous types

of fish, a cannon & lance, small Masonic emblem, foliage, bow & arrows, etc. Wonderful folk art quality

engraving throughout. Superb condition. Fabulous mellow age patina. Great Americana and a terrific piece of

nautical folk art. Early 19th century.

12,500.00

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