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LOT 3225
Incredibly Detailed Handmade Scale Model of the
Legendary American Frigate USS Constitution by Joseph G.
Mintjal with Hardwood and Glass Display Case - Completed
in June of 1986 by the incredibly talented
craftsman Joseph G. Mintjal (1930-2022),
this is an outstanding and extremely
detailed scale model of one of the most
legendary ships of the U.S. Navy, the
USS Constitution, which remains
the oldest commissioned warship
in the world. The Constitution
was lovingly nicknamed
“Old Ironsides” due to her
extremely heavy hull,
constructed in part
using the extremely
dense wood of
the live oak
for part of
its thick
planking,
which
helped it
to repel
cannonballs
from enemy
ships. The ship
was originally built
as part of the fleet
authorized by the Naval
Act of 1794, which authorized
the construction of the “original six” frigates of the American navy. The design of the Constitution, as well as the other five frigates, came from Joshua
Humphreys, who realized that the ships of the fledgling U.S. Navy needed to be powerful to outclass European frigates, while also being fast enough
to outrun the ships of the line which America lacked. The Constitution took part in the Quasi War and the First Barbary. War During the War of 1812,
the Constitution engaged with and sunk four British ships, including three merchantmen and the HMS Guerriere, which is reportedly the action where
she gained her nickname. After her career as an active warship ended, the Constitution went on to serve the United States Naval Academy for each class of
midshipmen’s summer training cruise, and it remained a commissioned warship of the U.S. Navy. After her re-designation as a training ship, the Constitution
received a round of modernizations giving her a host of modern facilities. In 1878, the ship was used to transport displays for the Paris Exhibition. During the 1930s, the
Constitution went on a tour from Bar Harbor, Maine, down through the Panama Canal, and up the Pacific coast to Bellingham, Washington, over the course of three
years. The ship was once again overhauled in hopes to be used in the United States
Centennial festivities; however, delays caused the repairs to take much longer than expected.
The ship underwent its most extensive reconstruction in 1995 to repair the issues caused by
the oldest pieces of timber rotting and return the ship to its 1812 configuration. For the bicentennial of the ship’s completion, the Constitution
was towed into Boston Harbor, where it sailed under it’s own power and gave a 21 gun salute to Fort Independence. Today the ship is used as
a museum to teach visitors about the Navy’s role in the United States Armed Forces. This model was painstakingly crafted and appears to be
made from almost entirely hand-carved wood and is most certainly of museum-quality and specifications. The included glass display case which
contains the model measures approximately 15 x 40 3/4 x 32 inches.
CONDITION: Excellent, the model of the USS Constitution itself remains in incredible condition with very minimal handling and storage evidence,
including to the delicate and detailed rigging. The display case is also excellent with some very light handling/storage evidence. This model of
one of the U.S. Navy’s most legendary warships would make an outstanding and eye-catching display piece for your office, study, or antique arms
collection room!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3226
Scarce and Desirable 19th Century U.S. Revenue Cutter Service Ensign Flag - Established by Alexander Hamilton in 1790 as the Revenue
Marine service, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service (U.S.R.C.S.) was initially the only armed American naval service, predating the establishment of the
U.S. Navy by 8 years. The U.S.R.C.S.’s main mission was enforcing U.S. import duties, while also protecting against piracy. The flag offered here is
a fine example similar to those flown from U.S.R.C.S. ships from its establishment until becoming a part of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915. The flag
itself does not bear a maker’s mark but shows the typical design with 16 vertical stripes (12 present), stylized eagle in the canton under an arch
of 13 stars, and has a heavy linen heading with two brass grommets. It measures approximately 59 x 66 inches (likely originally approximately 80
inches on the fly), with about 3 1/2 of the original stripes absent due to service wear.
CONDITION: Good, the flag retains most of its color with some mild staining and general wear, as well as the above mentioned portion absent
from the fly due to the strains of service. This is a fine example of a rarely seen U.S. flag that would make a great addition to your collection!
Provenance: The Saloga Collection.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500 147