Collection Highlights
The Dead at Gettysburg
Date:
ca. 1863
Object Number:
PR.164.4.38.GettysburgDead
Medium:
Photograph
SUPPORT THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Help us present groundbreaking exhibitions and develop educational programs about our nation's history for more than 200,000 schoolchildren annually.
Museum Collections
Luce Center
Scrimshaw
Object Number:
1982.68
Date:
1840
Medium:
Ivory
Dimensions:
Overall: 4 3/8 x 2 1/8 x 1 3/4 in. ( 11.1 x 5.4 x 4.4 cm )
Marks:
inscribed: obverse, arched over figure: "Don't give up the ship"
Description:
Whale tooth engraved continously around with the figure of Lady Liberty holding a flag and shield standing with an eagle and cannon on a free-floating dock (?), with an inscription on obverse and a ship flying the American flag sailing away from a lighthouse on a bluff on the reverse.
Gallery Label:
The phrase inscribed on this scrimshaw, "Don't give up the ship," was coined by Captain James Lawrence (1781-1813) in 1813. Acting against orders during the War of 1812, he engaged his ship, the Chesapeake, against Britain's Shannon. In a battle which lasted about 15 minutes, the Shannon was victorious, and Lawrence was mortally wounded.
Credit Line:
Gift of Colonel Henry O. Havemeyer
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
