Measurement: Overall height: 27"; width: 15.5"; depth: 3"

Material: Mahogany and brass

Condition: Excellent, superlative original condition

Additional Information: The attribution to John Haley Bellamy was determined based
on comparison of the subject gangway board and four known and documented
examples crafted by Bellamy for decorative purposes abord the bark-rigged screw
sloop-of-war USS Enterprise launched at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in 1874. Numerous
stylistic attributes exist between this piece and the other Bellamy gangway boards
crafted for the Enterprise, particularly the shield surmounted with eagle, construction of
eagle’s body and its posture/attitude. The manner with which the eagle’s talons are
rendered atop the shield’s rim perfectly relate to other known examples. Stylistically the
way the eagle’s feathers are rendered, and the symmetry and thickness of the piece are
congruent with the other known USS Enterprise gangway boards. Further testimony to
the pieces’ authenticity is the proper oxidation being extant upon the untreated back of
the carving; the metalwork is authentic to the later nineteenth century. Analysis of this
piece and comparison between it and the four known documented examples of USS
Enterprise gangway boards crafted by Bellamy reveal that the piece was personally
carved by John Haley Bellamy, with no other hands at work. In conclusion, this USS
Enterprise gangway board stands as a truly rare and important surviving piece of
woodworking that the celebrated Bellamy executed for the United States Navy.
^1.” Exceedingly rare, today only four are known to still exist. Indeed, all four gangway
boards appear to hail from the bark-rigged screw sloop-of-war USS Enterprise”, [fig. 5.4]
See American Eagle – The Bold Art & Brash Life of John Haley Bellamy by James A.
Craig, pp. 69, 70, 71 and 72. (1. As quoted from James Craig’s book.) Mr. Craig has
examined and documented the carving; notarized three-page letter of authenticity
accompanied the piece.

1411-2