REVOLUTIONARY WAR NAVAL SPEAKING TRUMPET OF CAPTAIN ABRAHAM LEWIS, COMMANDER OF THE COLONIAL WARSHIP LADY WASHINGTON.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR NAVAL SPEAKING TRUMPET OF CAPTAIN ABRAHAM LEWIS, COMMANDER OF THE COLONIAL WARSHIP LADY WASHINGTON. This wonderful Revolutionary War speaking trumpet was the subject of a television show called History Detectives – episode 104, and a videotape of the mini-documentary accompanies this lot. To authenticate the trumpet, the producers of the show researched colonial military records in the Library of Congress, visited the curator of the Navy Museum for historical perspective, and submitted the trumpet to the Smithsonian Institution for forensic examination. The Navy Museum has only one speaking trumpet in its collection, and it dates to a later period in history, when the construction of such items was more standardized. This particular speaking trumpet is much earlier and was probably custom-made to Captain Lewis’ specifications. It is quite large, compared to the later megaphone-type example in the Navy Museum, and would have efficiently amplified the captain’s voice so his orders could be heard the full length of the ship. The forensics researchers at the Smithsonian Institution analyzed the paint and metal using electron microscopy, X-rays, etc. Their analyses indicate that the lead paint, the iron material in the trumpet and the means of construction are all consistent with fabrication in the 1700’s. The numerous X-ray transparencies made at the Smithsonian’s labs accompany this trumpet, and clearly show its construction, including a modern repair. The trumpet is collapsible and is 29-1/2” long when closed and 46” long when extended with a bell that is about 13” in diameter. Painted on the bell in old gold paint is the inscription: “This Trumpet was used by Cap. Lewis in the Revolutionary War in a Row Galley between West Point and Fort Washington”. The exterior of the trumpet is painted a dark green and the interior of the bell is painted with red lead.

As a result of the historical research conducted at the Library of Congress, we know the following about this great artifact: This speaking trumpet was used by Captain Abraham Lewis, the captain of the Lady Washington – a row-galley based at Fort Montgomery. It patrolled the Hudson River between West Point and Fort Washington to prevent the passage of British ships. Rivers were the most efficient means by which the military could move troops and supplies in the interior of the country, so the Lady Washington’s mission was a critically important one. It was one of three such ships ordered by George Washington and built for the navy of the American colonists. The ship was about 70-80 feet in length and 20 feet in beam with a round bottom. It was a sailing ship, but it could also be propelled and maneuvered by means of oars, which was an important advantage in battle. It was ideally suited to operate on a river, where currents, fickle winds and narrow confines could hinder a conventional sailing ship. The Lady Washington was very heavily armed with cannons of many sizes, including two 18-pounders, two 12-pounders, two 9-pounders and an assortment of smaller cannons. With its formidable firepower and superior maneuverability, it was a fearsome warship indeed. During one particular battle cited in the History Detectives show, Captain Lewis brought the Lady Washington to the aid of another Colonial ship that had been destroyed by the British, rescued the crew and transported them up-river to safety. This speaking trumpet was no doubt a valuable aid in engagements such as this one, allowing the rowers and gunners to hear their captain’s orders amid the din of battle. This is a one-of-a-kind, historically important artifact of the Revolutionary War and would be a wonderful addition to the holdings of any American historical museum or advanced collector.

CONDITION: Modern repair to the metal between the large tapered tube of the lower section and the flared bell. Metal was added to bridge a damaged area about 2” in length, and part of the seam of the tapered tube has been re-sealed. Flared mouth of the bell is constructed of four pieces and the seams joining these appear to have been resoldered at some time, as well. Paint on the trumpet is alligatored, consistent with its age. Gold inscription is somewhat thin and darkened, but is quite legible and attractive. 4-51537 SO14 (5,000-10,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1088	$13,225.00	REVOLUTIONARY WAR NAVAL SPEAKING TRUMPET OF CAPTAIN ABRAHAM LEWIS, COMMANDER OF THE COLONIAL WARSHIP LADY WASHINGTON. This wonderful Revolutionary War speaking trumpet was the subject of a television show called History Detectives – episode 104, and a videotape of the mini-documentary accompanies this lot. To authenticate the trumpet, the producers of the show researched colonial military records in the Library of Congress, visited the curator of the Navy Museum for historical perspective, and submitted the trumpet to the Smithsonian Institution for forensic examination. The Navy Museum has only one speaking trumpet in its collection, and it dates to a later period in history, when the construction of such items was more standardized. This particular speaking trumpet is much earlier and was probably custom-made to Captain Lewis’ specifications. It is quite large, compared to the later megaphone-type example in the Navy Museum, and would have efficiently amplified the captain’s voice so his orders could be heard the full length of the ship. The forensics researchers at the Smithsonian Institution analyzed the paint and metal using electron microscopy, X-rays, etc. Their analyses indicate that the lead paint, the iron material in the trumpet and the means of construction are all consistent with fabrication in the 1700’s. The numerous X-ray transparencies made at the Smithsonian’s labs accompany this trumpet, and clearly show its construction, including a modern repair. The trumpet is collapsible and is 29-1/2” long when closed and 46” long when extended with a bell that is about 13” in diameter. Painted on the bell in old gold paint is the inscription: “This Trumpet was used by Cap. Lewis in the Revolutionary War in a Row Galley between West Point and Fort Washington”. The exterior of the trumpet is painted a dark green and the interior of the bell is painted with red lead. As a result of the historical research conducted at the Library of Congress, we know the following about this great artifact: This speaking trumpet was used by Captain Abraham Lewis, the captain of the Lady Washington – a row-galley based at Fort Montgomery. It patrolled the Hudson River between West Point and Fort Washington to prevent the passage of British ships. Rivers were the most efficient means by which the military could move troops and supplies in the interior of the country, so the Lady Washington’s mission was a critically important one. It was one of three such ships ordered by George Washington and built for the navy of the American colonists. The ship was about 70-80 feet in length and 20 feet in beam with a round bottom. It was a sailing ship, but it could also be propelled and maneuvered by means of oars, which was an important advantage in battle. It was ideally suited to operate on a river, where currents, fickle winds and narrow confines could hinder a conventional sailing ship. The Lady Washington was very heavily armed with cannons of many sizes, including two 18-pounders, two 12-pounders, two 9-pounders and an assortment of smaller cannons. With its formidable firepower and superior maneuverability, it was a fearsome warship indeed. During one particular battle cited in the History Detectives show, Captain Lewis brought the Lady Washington to the aid of another Colonial ship that had been destroyed by the British, rescued the crew and transported them up-river to safety. This speaking trumpet was no doubt a valuable aid in engagements such as this one, allowing the rowers and gunners to hear their captain’s orders amid the din of battle. This is a one-of-a-kind, historically important artifact of the Revolutionary War and would be a wonderful addition to the holdings of any American historical museum or advanced collector. CONDITION: Modern repair to the metal between the large tapered tube of the lower section and the flared bell. Metal was added to bridge a damaged area about 2” in length, and part of the seam of the tapered tube has been re-sealed. Flared mouth of the bell is constructed of four pieces and the seams joining these appear to have been resoldered at some time, as well. Paint on the trumpet is alligatored, consistent with its age. Gold inscription is somewhat thin and darkened, but is quite legible and attractive. 4-51537 SO14 (5,000-10,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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