Beschreibung:

Writing desk constructed of striped and curly maple, with inlaid, original to the period brass plaque inscribed Henry Worthington, U.S. Navy. The traveling chest measures 8 in. tall x 20.75 in. wide and is mounted with brass corners and straps. Henry Worthington served aboard the USS Constitution, the wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the US Navy, which was named by President George Washington after the US Constitution. Famously nicknamed "Old Ironsides," the Constitution is the world's oldest floating commissioned naval vessel. After being launched in 1797, she battled with distinction during the war with the Barbary pirates and later in actions during the war of 1812, in which she participated in 30 engagements. The Constitution had a perfect battle record, and was never defeated or boarded. Henry Worthington reported to the Constitution at Gibraltar in February of 1805, and was transferred to the US Navy's 8-gun brig, the USS Franklin, in August of 1805. He was commissioned as a sailing master in 1813, and was discharged two years later. The Navy Register lists Worthington reentering service and being reappointed Master on May 2, 1815, but records indicate that he died in service November 18, 1848. Worthington was from New York and was married in September 1839 to Sarah J. Newton, the daughter of a US Navy captain. Condition: The wood is in very good original condition with impressive grain, some slight cracks, small losses, normal aging and generally good overall. The desk does need some small repairs and restorations, but is basically complete other than the fold out in the upper lid. The brass shows an uncleaned original patina.