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Pattern Category: Naval and Marine Series: Shell Border, Irregular or Grotto-Shaped Center Object Type: Dinner and Dessert Wares Dimensions: Considered Rare Description:
Like the view of Commodore MacDonnough's Victory, this scene of the battle between the USS Constitution and the British vessel, the Guerriere, seen here on its only form, represents a significant event of the War of 1812. The USS CONSTITUTION's historic fight with HMS GUERRIERE took place some 600 miles east of Nova Scotia on the afternoon of August 19, 1812.
After an hour of inconclusive maneuvering and shooting, the two settled down to a short-range slugfest. After about 20 minutes the British ship's mizzenmast fell, and a short time later both her remaining masts went overboard. At some point in the battle, someone reportedly saw a British shot bounce off USS CONSTITUTION's side, and shouted, Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!-and so was born the nickname OLD IRONSIDES. The Americans had 14 casualties; the British, 79. HMS GUERRIERE was so badly damaged she had to be sunk after the surviving crew were brought onboard the USS CONSTITUTION. In recognition of this spectacular victory - incredibly motivating to a nation that had seen many military defeats in the war to date - Congress awarded Capt. Isaac Hull a special gold medal, his officers medals of silver, and the crew $50,000. This historic ship now lies in Boston Harbor.
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