Hobbies And Interests
Canes
Some of the original souvenirs produced from the wood of Old Ironsides were canes, crafted at the direction of Isaac Hull as gifts for esteemed friends and colleagues. In the nineteenth century especially, canes were seen as symbols of prestige and power; a cane made from Old Ironsides wood was especially desirable. Canes made from the ship's wood continued to be a popular souvenir for decades to come, with the official USS Constitution Museum in Boston having over 20 in their collection.
Andrew Jackson
The sitting President of the United States at the time of the USS Constitution's first refurbishment was Andrew Jackson, and he accumulated an impressive collection of Old Ironsides mementos. The most elaborate was a carriage built entirely out of USS Constitution wood, in which he rode to his successor's inauguration. It was later destroyed by fire, but a few pieces are still on display at The Hermitage, his home in Tennessee.
Historic Souvenirs
Many particularly unique or historic pieces were crafted from the wood of Old Ironsides. The doors of the grand Customs House in New London, Conn, were crafted entirely from Old Ironsides wood. Pieces of wood or souvenirs containing the ship's original copper spikes are especially valuable, since famous patriot Paul Revere was responsible for crafting them in his foundry. The Smithsonian houses a cane inscribed for President James Madison.
Small Souvenirs
In 1927, pieces of Old Ironsides were first made available to the public for purchase to help fund the restoration and upkeep of the ship. Souvenirs from that particular renovation are therefore more common than any in the 19th century. Popular items crafted at that time were snuffboxes, bookends, cigar boxes, paperweights, miniature anchors and canes. These types of souvenirs were usually inscribed for authentication, and many examples are housed at the ship's museum in Boston.