Paddleducks

Paddler Information => Research => Topic started by: Reid Zeigler on July 09, 2011, 01:38:33 AM

Title: Civil War Era Watch - Actual Paddle Steamer?
Post by: Reid Zeigler on July 09, 2011, 01:38:33 AM

I have a mid 1800's watch made by NJ Tobias, London that was made for the American market and has a Civil War Motif. It never ocured to me until recently that the engraving of a paddle steamer might represent a real ship. There's not a lot of detail, but I thought I'd post it here for comments. The structure to the far right might be a fort or an ironclad ship.
The opposite side of the watch has a battle scene with two Confederate? horsemen.
Thanks -Reid

(http://www.pbase.com/rreid/image/136244238.jpg)

Title: Re: Civil War Era Watch - Actual Paddle Steamer?
Post by: PeeWee on July 09, 2011, 02:54:54 AM

Welcome Reid to our corner of the web, i hope our members are able to help you.

regards
Ian

Title: Re: Civil War Era Watch - Actual Paddle Steamer?
Post by: Hankwilliams on July 10, 2011, 04:23:11 AM

Hi Reid,

this is doubtless a blockade runner of the confederates. It is possible, the scene may be Wilmington harbour, N.C. From this strong protected area many blockade runners sailed to the neutral harbours of the Bermuda and Bahama Islands.
It's not possible, to eruate what singular ship is engraved, because blockade runners, mostly build in Britain, had many similar construction details - characteristics are the two funnels fore and aft the paddlewheels like the blockade runners "Phantom"and "Hope".

Tom

Title: Re: Civil War Era Watch - Actual Paddle Steamer?
Post by: Reid Zeigler on July 10, 2011, 11:03:11 AM

Tom - Thanks very much for the information. I'll do some research on blockade runners.  The structure on the right appears to have a Union flag but the shape is distinctive enough that there might be some clues.  This should keep me busy for a while.  -Reid

Title: Re: Civil War Era Watch - Actual Paddle Steamer?
Post by: mjt60a on July 10, 2011, 07:25:54 PM

an interesting item! the 'structure' on the right looks to me like this type of vessel - http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h58000/h58793.jpg - though it appears to have two hulls...