Carved Mug Reportedly Made from the Mast Step of the America

Carved Mug Reportedly Made from the Mast Step of the America, mid-19th century, the mug with carved thumbprint-like impressions and similarly carved applied handle, mug ht. 6 1/2 in.

Note: A typed 20th century card on the underside of the mug reads: "This Beaker, carved from the mast step of the original AMERICA during her construction, was used by James Steers to drink Colonel Hamilton's rum while off Le Havre. 1851." The America was designed and built by Steers (and others) to prove the shipbuilding prowess of the United States, and was captained across the Atlantic from June 21 to July 11, 1851, ending her voyage in Le Havre. James Steers was one of several passengers.