Lot 194
Spanish American War Shell Lamp -USS Maine, Elaborate Trench Art. The U.S.S. Maine was an American naval ship that sank in Havana Harbor during the Cuban revolt against Spain, an event that became a major political issue in the United States. The sinking became a rallying cry but considerable research even decades later reveal the Maine was not caused by a mine. Instead, a spontaneous combustion of coal in the bunker, next to magazine, was speculated to be the most likely cause. At any rate, the battle in the New York Journal and New York World, owned respectively by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, gave Maine intense press coverage, but employed tactics that would later be labeled "yellow journalism." Both papers exaggerated and distorted any information they could attain, sometimes even fabricating news when none that fit their agenda was available. Offered is a 6 pound shell casing from the U.S.S. Maine. This elaborate piece of trench art originally purchased with unusual dull brass casing with crude sockets, paper shades and engraved. This 6 Pounder Cartridge Came From The U.S.S. Maine Which Was Sunk In The Harbor of Havana, Cuba on 15th February, 1895. Engraved at base is an image of the crows nest and portion of battleship extending out of the water. Lamp was then re wired and chrome plated to be used for contemporary use 17 years ago. Also included are two vintage/antique photo postcards, one of the Maine just as it was about to sink, the other showing an image of the ship afloat and one after sinking on a 40th Anniversary Spanish War Veterans card, 1938. Estimate Value $600 - UP
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| Realized $372 |
