The Case:
Thirty-five years ago a collector traded some duck decoys for an item inside a Sunbeam electric iron box. This item was wrapped in sheepskin, a mouth and chin carved out of wood.
Articles and a letter at the bottom of the box say this mouth was part of a figurehead of President Andrew Jackson affixed to the bow of U.S.S. Constitution until protestors vandalized the carving in the 1830’s.
Could this wooden mouth have once adorned U.S.S. Constitution? History Detectives gets clues from a U.S.S. Constitution historian, and a historian in 19th century woodcarving.
Book extract: Dewey's Account
This book extract is Samuel Dewey's account of the taking of Andrew Jackson's figurehead. The interview took place several years after the event, and is thought to be the only time Dewey spoke directly about the incident. (Source: Historic fields and mansions of Middlesex by Samuel Adams Drake)
Season 8, Episode 4
Season 9, Episode 7
Detective:
Elyse Luray

New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Elyse Luray Pete Gray Cartoon Do these unsigned drawings from the golden age of comics tell the tale of a real life superhero?
-
Related Investigation Luxury Liner Picture Frame Is this picture frame a piece of the Titanic, Lusitania or neither?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861 Napolean's Sword Did Napoleon bestow this sword as a gift to a brave ancestor of a St. Martinville family?
-
Also in Season 8 Face Jug What does this ceramic face reveal about the Middle Passage and a captive people’s search for identity?
-
Also with Elyse Luray Movie Palace Is this small Wisconsin town theater the country's first great movie palace?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861 Bartlett Sketchbook Does a leather bound sketchbook hold the key to some of the US' most significant history?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.