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| Courtesy USS Constitution Museum |
Captain Isaac Hull’s Service Sword From War of 1812 to Become Part of USS Constitution Museum’s Permanent Collection on Tuesday, August 14 at 10 a.m.
BOSTON – AUGUST 14, 2007 – The USS Constitution Museum today announced the homecoming of a sword owned by Captain Isaac Hull, who commanded USS Constitution to victory over the British frigate HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.
Hull’s sword, accompanied by its scabbard, will be unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday, August 14 at 10:00 am at the USS Constitution Museum to kick off the Museum’s activities leading up to its August 18 Victory Day celebration which commemorates the USS Constitution victory over HMS Guerriere on August l9, l812.
The sword (circa 1806) arrives at the USS Constitution Museum thanks to 60 donors led by a generous challenge grant from Ronald M. Egalka, a Brookline resident, president and CEO of Boston-based Rampart Investment Management Company, historical armament expert, and nine-year member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. Egalka, along with other generous Museum trustees and donors, raised the money to acquire the sword, which until now has been out of public view.
Egalka, together with USS Constitution Commander William A. Bullard III, who will be dressed in his navy regulation 1812 period uniform, will participate in the ceremony. Burt Logan, president of the USS Constitution Museum, and Hull Fulweiler, a descendent of Isaac Hull, will also provide background history about the sword, the battle with HMS Guerriere and Captain Isaac Hull.
“This sword is a very special weapon that belonged to Isaac Hull during the time when USS Constitution became a national icon,” said Logan. “It’s an important acquisition and helps augment our collection of artifacts from the War of 1812. We are grateful to Ron Egalka and the other donors whose efforts have enabled future generations to see the personal sword of the ship’s most famous captain.”
Based on the sword’s style, navy regulations and family legend, the brass eagle pommel service sword was worn by Isaac Hull while in uniform during the War of 1812, with its scabbard bearing the engraving “Captn I. Hull/U.S.N.”
“It’s a true honor to have joined with the other donors to secure this important artifact for the Museum,” said Egalka. “After decades out of view, this piece of American history will now be permanently displayed for all to see. We all look forward to welcoming history lovers from Boston and around the world to the Museum to learn more about USS Constitution and Captain Isaac Hull.”
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| Courtesy USS Constitution Museum |
About Isaac Hull’s Sword
Isaac Hull gave the sword to Commodore David Porter in 1822 in gratitude for Porter’s role in clearing him of false charges of misappropriation of funds brought against him when he served as Commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard after the War of 1812. Hull, grateful to Porter for restoring his reputation and for saving his career and pension, gave him his sword.
The sword then descended through the Commodore David Porter and Admiral David Dixon Porter families until 1962, when Mary Porter Couden presented it to her godson when he became a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. After owning the sword for more than 20 years, he sold it through Sotheby’s prior to its purchase by John F. Rinaldi of Nautical Antiques in Maine.
About the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of "Old Ironsides." Family-friendly, hands-on exhibits share the stories of USS Constitution and those who shaped her history. The Museum, located adjacent to USS Constitution in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, is open seven days a week, hours vary depending on season. There is no charge for admission, but donations are welcome.
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