SOUVENIR MINIATURE ANVIL MADE OF BRASS FROM THE USS MAINE

SOUVENIR MINIATURE ANVIL MADE OF BRASS FROM THE USS MAINE

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$395.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-9380

A small souvenir anvil made of brass and measuring about 3-1/2 inches long . This was likely intended as a desk ornament or paperweight and is engraved in script on one side: “Made from metal taken from wreck of USS Maine, which was blown up in Havana Harbor Feb 15, 1898.” This shows as a mix of semi-bright brass with thin brown in areas of rubbing from handling and scratches.

The history of the USS Maine and its significance in getting the US into the Spanish American War will be familiar to most. The ship was launched in 1890, but not commissioned until 1895. Sent to Havana Harbor to represent US interests during the Cuban War of Independence, the ship suffered a devastating explosion and sank on Feb. 15, 1898, with suspicion of Spanish involvement doing much to fuel enthusiasm for war with that country. In a project lasting from late 1910 to early 1912, a coffer dam was built around the wreck enabling the wreckage to be studied and remains of the crew recovered. The remnants of the vessel were then towed out to sea and scuttled as part of an official ceremony.

Items salvaged from the ship became valued relics. At least one online listing records the various known pieces and their locations. Other pieces like this were created from metal salvaged from the wreck. Miniature anvils seem to have been a popular product. We have seen several with stamped identifications and some with decorative engraving.   [sr][ph:L]

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