Early linen sea bag, a rare survivor…belonged to Silas Butler [1778-1837] Purser; served aboard several vessels including the USS Constellation and was master purser at the New York Navy Yard
A bag in which a sailor keeps tools and personal articles such as clothing, often the first project for an apprentice in the sailmakers trade or a working seaman. This example is entirely handstitched including twelve eyelets accommodating cordage for hanging and closing. The bag is made of four vertical panels as is the bottom, all with navy blue piped seams. Stenciled on the side is “S. BUTLER”.
The U.S. Navy considered personal bags government property, to be used for the duration of a cruise and to be returned when a man left the ship. Boston sailmaker Thomas Kendall supplied the Constitution with 500 hammocks and 250 bags in 1812. Navy Agent Amos Binney paid for them just like any other piece of ship’s equipment.
Silas Butler: Silas was born on 14 Sept. 1778 in Wethersfield, CT, to Joseph and Abigail (Boardman) Butler. Fast forward – Silas applied for a position in the new US Navy – he was appointed purser or “paymaster” to the USS CONNECTICUT on July 3, 1799, handling not only the monies of the vessel but in charge of the monthly pay to the officers and crew, oversees the ship’s provisions, handles and distributes the “slops“. Butler served aboard four vessels – The US sloop of war CONNECTICUT, the US schooner ENTERPRISE, the US frigate CHESAPEAKE, and the US frigate CONSTELLATION – until he retired from the Navy in November of 1805, going into private business, first in Washington D.C., then removing to Manhattan to marry Phebe Waldron and then setting up business in Brooklyn, NY. In 1817 he decided to return to the Navy, regaining appointment as a purser and became the purser to the new Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY. He remained in that position until his death on 9 April 1837.
Item Date: Early 19th Century
Measurement: 20" x 40"
Material: Linen
Item Condition: Excellent, especially considering age and use. There is a trivial nickel size mend in the bottom that likely dates to the original period of use.
Price: $2,850
SKU 1121-140
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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