Original box of naval sewing items marked on top of box with hand written script reading, “MENDING KIT, MIDSHIPMAN F. J. DRAKE, 1863, U.S.S. CONSTITUTION”. Below this is the maker’s printed label which reads, “HENRY V. ALLIEN & CO., SECCESSORS TO, HORSTMAN BROS. & ALLIEN, MILITARY GOODS, 738 BROADWAY, NEW YORK”.

The contents of this box include 5 folded packets of sewing needles, various buttons, 3 wooden spools of thread, small buckle with two prongs, 2 silver thimbles, a vintage Vaseline can, a brown roll of trim and tan thread with original labels, a silver cylinder shaped case, and a leather thumb stall.

Rear Admiral Franklin J. Drake was one of the few surviving officers of the frigate Constitution in 1863. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1868 and served continuously until he retired in 1906. He was on the Benicia in 1875 where he took part of the assault by land forces on the Korean forts at Seoul, and won commendation for conduct in battle. He was a descendant of Sir Barnard Drake, Admiral of the British Navy in 1585. He died on January 30, 1929 at 84 years old, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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