Confederate Ship CaptainC.J. Relyea Engraved Cane, Plus

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Source Cowan's Auctions

Lot of 2, including a cane belonging to C.J. Relyea, Confederate Ship Captain of the CSS Planter, the only captain to have his ship stolen by slaves, and a carved Mexican souvenir cane. Relyea's cane, primarily made of snakewood, is 35.875 in. long overall; with a yellow and rose-gold knob, not marked, 1.5 in. long, featuring a compass mounted in the top, the name Capt - CJ - Relyea engraved in three panels surrounding the compass, including eight panels engraved with intricate designs, one being a seahorse; with a 1 in. ferrule. This cane descended directly through the family of C.J. Relyea. The accompanying carved, wooden cane, 36.75 in. long overall; no ferrule. Features alternating panels of intricate patterns and figural design, with an eagle and crest in top panel, and a detailed depiction in the next three panels of a toreador participating in a bullfight, by first luring in the bull and subsequently killing it with his spear. According to HDS, C.J. Relyea enlisted as a pilot on July 21, 1862, and was commissioned into the CS Navy on the same date. He first served on the CSS Huntress, then became Captain of the Planter, a side-wheel steamer, which was as an armed dispatch boat and transport attached to the engineer department at Charleston, SC under Brig. Gen. Ripley. While Relyea was absent on shore on May 13, 1862, Robert read more

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