Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sternboard from the "Portsmouth"
Object Number:
1925.100
Date:
ca. 1843
Medium:
Wood, paint, gilding
Dimensions:
Overall: 48 1/2 x 69 1/2 x 5 in. ( 123.2 x 176.5 x 12.7 cm )
Marks:
inscribed: beneath eagle in gilded wood individual letters: "PORTSMOUTH"
Description:
Carved, painted, and gilded wooden sternboard of eagle with outspread wings sitting atop shield, cannon and draped flags; rectangular board at bottom with gilded letters spelling "PORTSMOUTH." Eagle completely gilded; shield and accoutrements painted red, white and blue with gilt tassels.
Gallery Label:
This sternboard is from the fast sailing vessel "Portsmouth," built in 1843. It was probably carved by the Baltimore shipcarver William Seward.
Credit Line:
Gift of the Naval History Society
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.