USS Constitution Reclaimed Engraved Wood Blocks

These blocks of wood are engraved with either Constitution’s helm (or wheel), the Ship under sail, or the transom (or stern) of “Old Ironsides.” They are expertly made by a Massachusetts craftsman from wood removed from USS Constitution during refurbishment.

The helm and transom images are derived from the plans used to restore Constitution in the dry dock outside the Museum between 1927 and 1931 that was partially funded by school children’s pennies. The “Dart of Death” image is from the journal of seaman Lewis Kimberly (dated 1857-1861) that is part of the USS Constitution Museum’s collection. The name “Dart of Death” is derived from a longer quote from David Bunnell’s journal “…the dart of death hung as (if) it were trembling by a single hair and no one knew on whose head it would fall.” While the two journals and sailors are not related, this image and quote were paired together to serve a reminder that life aboard a 19^th century war vessel could be a dangerous affair especially in battle.

The back of each block is engraved to certify its origin as “wood reclaimed from USS Constitution ‘Old Ironsides’ Boston, Massachusetts, USA.” While each block is individually cut and vary slightly in size and thickness, the average size is about 3.5” x 2.25”. These engraved wood blocks are made exclusively for and sold only by the USS Constitution Museum.