Description:
PURITAN was designed by Edward Burgess and built by George Lawley & Sons (both Massachusetts firms) expressly to defend the America’s Cup against a British challenge in 1885. The challenger was GENESTA, a traditional English cutter, while the design of PURITAN was a compromise between the deep English cutter and the American wide and shallow sloop.
The races were sailed in mid-September of 1885, and PURITAN beat GENESTA in the first two races of the best-of-three series.
Enough history. There will not be a quiz at the end of the hour.
Offered for sale here is a rosewood box measuring 14 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches. The top is a very nice marquetry scene of the two vessels rounding a mark, inlaid expertly in contrasting colors of veneer.
Engraved, obviously by hand, on the whalebone or ivory plaque is : “ Presented to the victorious crew of the PURITAN -- THE AMERICA’S CUP 1885”
The bottom of the box is covered in leather (pigskin?) and the bottom of the inside is covered in maroon velvet.
CONDITION is the key. This is certainly a late 19th Century box, and it appears to be in original condition and finish. The finish has minor blemishes that might accrue to a box of this age, and the only enhancement I have performed is to clean, very gently,the exterior of the box. A good bit of grime came off.
Objects of this age and importance do not appear often in the 21st Century. Please don't hesitate to request additional information or photos. Thanks.
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