Barbary War: Battle of Derna Folk Art Box

Description

Title: Barbary War: Battle of Derna Folk Art Box
Provenance/Additional Info: 12" x 8" x 3" wooden writing box with applied engraving on the lid. It depicts the United States Marines at the Battle of Derna during the Barbary War of 1805. The Marines are storming the battlements of the town, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. They were led by Lt. Presley O'Bannon and were successful in rescuing the kidnapped crew of the U.S.S. Philadelphia. This was the Marines' first land battle on foreign soil and is immortalized in the Marine Anthem. The box is a wonderful piece of folk art. The interior is painted red and has five compartments, lacking one short wall or slat. The inside of the lid has a theorem-style stencil of a bowl of fruit. Similar gold designs appear on the sides and front. Typical light crazing throughout with minor loss and wear. Exudes a great deal of charm and character. Circa 1805-1810. Totally righteous!!