HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT CARVED AND GILT WOOD CATHEAD FROM THE U.S.S. CONSTITUTION.

HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT CARVED AND GILT WOOD CATHEAD FROM THE U.S.S. CONSTITUTION. This carving was removed from the U.S.S. Constitution at the time that it was docked in Boston Harbor. It was given to our consignor to completely restore and ready for its replacement. The square cat head carving was affixed to the projecting pieces of timber near the bow which served as crane booms for hoisting the anchors to the rail. They were located on the spar deck, forward of the furthest most gun in placements. Commonly known as catheads, they derived their name from the carvings or cast iron caps in the form of cats or lions, the cat in the 18th Century, being a Royal pet. These decorative heads were often plated in gold and were one of the few ornaments found on a warship. Once raised, the anchors would then be secured to the catheads until they were ordered cat off again. REFERENCE: For a similar carving made by John Bellamy see page 85 in “John Haley Bellamy Carver of Eagles” by Yvonne Brault Smith. PROVENANCE: The refurbishing of this carving was directed from a Navy Admiral to our client but was never accepted back or work paid for by the Navy. There is little documentation to this and we are relying upon our consignor for this information. SIZE: 18” x 15-1/2”. CONDITION: Very good. 9-28461 (10000-15000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Winter 2006

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
	442	$46,000.00	HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT CARVED AND GILT WOOD CATHEAD FROM THE U.S.S. CONSTITUTION. This carving was removed from the U.S.S. Constitution at the time that it was docked in Boston Harbor. It was given to our consignor to completely restore and ready for its replacement. The square cat head carving was affixed to the projecting pieces of timber near the bow which served as crane booms for hoisting the anchors to the rail. They were located on the spar deck, forward of the furthest most gun in placements. Commonly known as catheads, they derived their name from the carvings or cast iron caps in the form of cats or lions, the cat in the 18th Century, being a Royal pet. These decorative heads were often plated in gold and were one of the few ornaments found on a warship. Once raised, the anchors would then be secured to the catheads until they were ordered cat off again. REFERENCE: For a similar carving made by John Bellamy see page 85 in “John Haley Bellamy Carver of Eagles” by Yvonne Brault Smith. PROVENANCE: The refurbishing of this carving was directed from a Navy Admiral to our client but was never accepted back or work paid for by the Navy. There is little documentation to this and we are relying upon our consignor for this information. SIZE: 18” x 15-1/2”. CONDITION: Very good. 9-28461 (10000-15000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Winter 2006 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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