A FINE PAIR OF "BATTLE OF CHERBOURG" ARTIFACTS INCLUDING PENNANT REMNANT OF THE U.S.S. KEARSARGE & LAUNCH PIN OF THE C.S.S. ALABAMA. 

Items include. 

1. Red and white bunting. Approx. 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 in. WITH Manuscript note. N.p., n.d. Reads in full: "A piece of the pennant of the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she sunk the Alabama off Cherbourg, France. June 19th 1864."

2. 10K-14K gold star engraved "290". Original C-clasp and tube hinge (dating 19th century) to reverse alongside additional suspension loop. Approx. 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. With later mauve ribbon. WITH Manuscript note. N.p., n.d. Reads in full: "Pin commemorating the launching of Confederate Cruiser Alabama. She was the 290 (ship building number) until commissioned".

Provenance: Mary Winslow

A unique and historic pairing of relics from the combatants of the Battle of Cherbourg, the only naval sea battle during the Civil War. Each item is accompanied by manuscript notes that, although undated, appear to be near-contemporary. Each note is attributed to Mary Winslow, daughter of Captain John Ancrum Winslow (later Rear Admiral), who commanded the Kearsarge during the Battle of Cherbourg. 

The U.S.S. Kearsarge is represented by a piece of hand-stitched red and white bunting. The note attributes the fragment to the pennant flying when she sunk the Alabama. 

Of historic significance is the "290" star badge, attributed to the C.S.S. Alabama. The Confederate government contracted with the Laird Brothers at Birkenhead to build a cruiser capable of running down merchant ships. During her construction, she was known only as "290," corresponding with this fine badge. 

The "290" left England on July 29th and sailed unarmed to the Azores to avoid violating British neutrality. Once there, Captain Raphael Semmes met the ship with six naval guns and two large-caliber pivots, commissioned the ship as the Alabama, and took command. 

An excellent pair of relics. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges, Ribbons] [Navy, Naval History, Brown Water Navy, David Glasgow Farragut, David Dixon Porter, Battle of Mobile Bay, Battle of New Orleans, Blockade, Confederate Blockade] [Flags, Patriotic Textiles]

Pennant bunting partially attached to display board.

Brooch was tested with an XRF gun and measured between 10K and 14K gold.