American Maritime Sea Captain's Chest from the Sloop Atalanta, circa 1780

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About the Item

This exemplary American maritime chest bears the following inscription on the bottom of the center small drawer. "Benjamin Reeves, Sloop Atalanta, Cap (captain) Frie Luthill." Below is a brief description of one of several Sloops that were named the Atalanta, all of which were British ships of War. What makes this particular Atalanta plausible is the corresponding period along with the fact that it was captured by the American Navy during the revolutionary war. This could possibly explain why there was an American-made chest aboard. It certainly begs further investigation and the story forms a part of American maritime history. Atalanta (14) Brig-sloop Built in 1775, Sheerness DY. Renamed Helena in 1801. Sold in 1802. 1781 Commodore Sampson Edwards, North America. On 27 May Atalanta and Trepassy (14) Cdr. James Smyth gave chase to a strange sail in the North Atlantic. They soon ascertained that she was an American frigate and found themselves chased by her in turn. When the wind dropped to a flat calm the brigs turned and swept towards the enemy, Alliance (36) Capt. John Barry. Trepassy received a full broadside and although Atalanta tried to Stand between the two ships, Trepassy was too shattered to escape. Cdr Smyth was killed and Lieut. Samuel Arden of Atalanta lost an arm. Capt. Barry was struck by a grape shot. After three and a half hours Trepassy struck with six killed and 11 wounded. Atalanta lasted longer but the heavier weight of metal on the American side, 204 lb. against the brigs combined broadside of 60 lb., at last forced her to strike with six killed and 18 wounded. Alliance had six killed and 20 wounded. Atalanta was sailed into Boston harbor as a capture Brittish war vessle. Atalanta was recaptured in 1784 and decommissioned in 1802. Measures: 46 1/4" wide x 20" deep x 50 3/4" high. Materials and techniques notes: Drawers and back boards are poplar, secondary wood of drawer faces is pine, secondary wood of sides is mahogany. Beautiful West Indies crotch mahogany veneers. Note the brass ball foot that would have been set into a small recess in the floor boards of the ship to keep the chest from moving.

Dimensions:
Height: 50.75 in (128.91 cm)Width: 46.25 in (117.48 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
Style:
Federal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany,Poplar,Polished,Veneer
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1780
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The over-all condition of the veneer is excellent and the finish is refreshed but original. All of the locks are original and working with (1) key. Burn mark on far back of top probably from a candle. Pulls were replaced.
Seller Location:
Miami, FL
Reference Number:
Seller: CHE001751stDibs: LU98812113342

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