The Confederate Ironclad CSS VIRGINIA

ANONYMOUS, AMERICAN 19TH CENTURY

Details

The Confederate Ironclad CSS VIRGINIA
Anonymous, American 19th century
A folk art model of the CSS VIRGINIA also known as the MERRIMAC. The hull of the model is built up in wood and is painted with a red bottom and black topsides. The upper part of the hull is made from sheet metal as is the deck and the deck structures. The starboard side is hinged to reveal the gun deck with 4 cannons mounted on carriages. Other details include a lead ram at the bow and iron funnel which is painted white. The model is mounted on a mahogany board with a brass name plate. On the bottom of the display board is a partial accession label with the name of the ship, various numbers and the partial name of the builder.
33½ x 8¼ x 11 in. (85.1 x 21 x 27.9 cm.), model on stand.

Lot Essay

Commissioned in 1855 and built at the Boston ship yard first as the USS Merrimack, the CSS Virginia served as flagship of the Pacific Squadron from 1857 to 1859 after service in the Carribean and Europe. After the hull had burned to the waterline, engineers salvaged the hull and machinery to create the central battery frigate CSS Virginia. Instead of what was supposed to be a trial run, Virginia engaged in battle with the 24 gun USS Cumberland which would be her first victim. However, the Confederate ironclad had suffered some damage; while undergoing repairs in Norfolk, she was made a flagship of the Confederate States Navy. Unfortunately, her deep draft precluded her from moving up the James river which she was charged with protecting. She was blown up on May 11, 1862.

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