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Promoted to Lieutenant after 6 years of service, Reed was still aboard the
USS Constitution during the War of 1812 when the ship defeated the British
warship HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812. Reed boarded the British vessel to
accept her surrender. On October 25, 1812, Reed, now aboard the USS United
States under the command of Commodore Stephen Decatur, participated
in the defeat of the British warship HMS Macedonian. The Naval History &
Heritage Command website confirms that Reed was an officer aboard the
United States when the ship saw action with the Macedonian. During the
Algerian War of 1815, Reed commanded the USS Chippewa and was later
promoted to Commander, serving in the Mediterranean and off the coast of
Africa before he was promoted to Captain in 1825 to take command of the
USS Constitution. In the late 1830s, he participated in actions against pirates
and raiders preying on American shipping to India and commanded the
Second Sumatran Expedition, a punitive expedition by the U.S. Navy against
inhabitants of the island of Sumatra in response to the massacre of the crew
aboard the American merchant ship Eclipse. He commanded the Philadelphia
Naval School from 1839-1846, commanded the African Squadron from 1846-
1847 and the Mediterranean Squadron from 1847-1849. Reed was promoted
to Rear Admiral in July 1862 but died one month later.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and tang retain 30% original brown finish
in protected areas with a mottled gray patina on the balance. Limited minor
pitting is present near the bolster and muzzle. The hammer and lock plate
retain 20% original case colors. The brass fittings retain 95% original silver
plating. The stock is excellent showing a minor gouge on the grip and some
scattered minor pressure dents with most of the oil finish remaining and crisp
edges. The case is very good with minor warpage on the lid and a number of
minor handling/storage marks with the velvet lining showing high spot wear.
A unique pair of U.S. Navy Ames Model 1842 pistols that would make for a
perfect addition to an advanced antique martial collection.
B) U.S.N. Ames Contract Model 1842 Percussion Navy Pistol - NSN, 54
percussion cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut
stock. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and tang retain 40% original brown finish
with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The hammer and lock plate retain
traces of original case colors. The brass fittings retain 95% original silver
plating. The stock is excellent showing a few minor pressure dents with most
of the oil finish remaining and crisp edges.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
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