WHALEBONE AND WHALE IVORY SEAL BELONGING TO REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH W. SMITH OF MASSACHUSETTS Mid-19th

WHALEBONE AND WHALE IVORY SEAL BELONGING TO REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH W. SMITH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Mid-19th Century
Three arms extend from a tetrahedral block. One arm is topped with a mother-of-pearl disk engraved with Smith's monogram. One arm with "J.W. Smith" script signature stamp. Third arm with diamond-point wax sealer.
Length 3.75".
Notes:
Joseph W. Smith (1790-1877), born in Boston and raised in Hanover, Massachusetts, served in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812, the Civil War and the the Mexican-American War. He was severely wounded during the Battle of Lake Champlain in 1814 and his son, Lt. Joseph B. Smith, was killed in action when a Confederate ironclad sank a Union frigate in 1862. Smith was promoted to rear admiral in 1862, one of the first officers ever promoted to this rank. He fully retired in 1871 after 62 years of continuous service.
Condition Report: Small age cracks, but overall very good.The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.