1862 UNION NAVY USS MONITOR WOOD RELIC

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UNION NAVY USS MONITOR WOOD RELIC Rare Cradle Made by Carpenter's Mate During its 1862 Refurbishing A Very Rare and Historically Important Civil War Union Navy Relic. This is a hooded doll-sized cradle made in 1862 by the carpenter's mate of the famed Union Ironclad Warship USS Monitor, and which was made from some of the Monitor's original wood structure during its refurbishment. The Monitor was a steam-powered, ironclad warship of the United States Union Navy and was the first of the ironclad warships built by the North. The USS Monitor was one of the participants in the Battle of Hampton Roads in March of 1862 opposite the CSS Virginia (formerly the CSS Merrimack), more commonly known as the "Battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack". This was historically significant in naval history as the first battle between two inronclad warships. While neither ship inflicted mortal damage upon the other, it was considered a strategic victory for the Monitor as it did help hold the Union blockade and defend the fleet. In October of 1862, the Monitor was towed to the Washington Navy Yard for repairs and modifications. One of the workmen likely assigned to the repairs was the carpenter's mate, Derrick Brinkman, who had joined at New York and was present during the ironclad's engagement at Hampton Roads. Between being the only listed crewman with matching initials (DBB) and with sufficient woodworking skills as identified by his position, Brinkman is the most likely maker of this cradle. The Monitor did not have a long career after its repair and modifications as it foundered off the coast of North Carolina in December of 1862, where 16 crewman and 4 officers were lost. Derrick Brinkman survived the ship's foundering, and the war. He may be the Derrick Brinkman listed in the 1870 Census as living in Brooklyn and working in a "Segar House". The Monitor’s wreck was rediscovered off of Cape Hatteras in 1973, and was designated the country's first marine sanctuary. Despite its short service, it heralded a new era of iron and steam in naval warfare. This miniature cradle is made of pine taken from the USS Monitor during its refurbishing and is of very fine dovetailed construction. Its size is 8 1/4" L x 5 1/2" W x 6 1/2" H and it retains its original shellac finish. Under this original finish is its original period label which reads as follows: "Made from wood taken from the Monitor whilst at the Washington Navy Yard for alteration in Oct 1862 by D.B.B. Present to Alice B. Filkins". The identity of Alice B. Filkins remains a mystery, but she may have been a girlfriend or relative of Derrick Brinkman’s. The cradle is accompanied by reference material on the USS Monitor, and includes a copy of the crew list. Also included with the cradle and reference material already mentioned, and originally acquired from a different source, is a set of nine (9) framed photos and prints all having to do with the Monitor. There are three reprint photos of the Monitor, three prints related to its foundering and sinking, a map showing its current sunken location off the coast of North Carolina/Cape Hatteras, and two design prints (turret details and side view details). The framed sizes of these nine pieces range from 11 3/4” x 14 3/4” to 13” x 19”. These framed items help round out the history of the cradle’s origin and provide for an impressive display if desired to be arranged with the cradle. This cradle is quite an impressive display piece on its own, and when held in hand by a first time viewer and told about its origin and history it has actually elicited gasps from a few visitors. It is simply an outstanding Relic of one of the most important Vessels in the Union Navy, as well as a Relic from an important event in Naval History - The Battle of Hampton Roads between the Ironclads USS Monitor and the Ironclad CSS Virginia (The Merrimack). This wonderful piece is unconditionally guaranteed by me to be 100% ... read more

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