Whaling Captain's Copper Snuff Box?

[Eastender]

I found this small copper box a few weeks ago at one of my permission sites. At the time I felt bad for not being careful and forcefully snapping the lid off while trying to open it. The box had a tight, well-aligned fit. I didn't clean it (most of my finds I do not clean). Only yesterday did I take a closer look and found an inscription. And today through research of my town's historical record did I find who I think was the owner.

The initials A.K. match that of Abraham King, a whaling boat Captain (1819 - 1902) who made a total of 7 trips around Cape Horn. (See the last photo attached here). My 1870's map show the property was owned by Kings, and the neighboring property belonged to his mother's family. The depiction of a whale etched below the initials gives the theory weight.

Finds like this, backed by historical research and a face to match, are what make this hobby exciting for me, regardless of the what monetary value the piece may actually have.

 

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[JeffInMass]

Well done- excellent post!

 

[river roamer]

Very nice find Thanks for sharing

 

[villagenut]

Very cool find and connection. Wonder what the w stood for

 

[Eastender]

Very cool find and connection. Wonder what the w stood for

I'm not sure it's a W. It's joined across the top and is offset and smaller. If it is, maybe people addressed a Whaleboat Capt. as a "Whaler" with the W initial.

 

[villagenut]

I'm not sure it's a W. It's joined across the top and is offset and smaller. If it is, maybe people addressed a Whaleboat Capt. as a "Whaler" with the W initial.

I agree it's not part of the initials.....and see how it could stand for whaler, as it clearly depicts a whale image.

 

[CRUSADER]

I'm not sure it's a W. It's joined across the top and is offset and smaller. If it is, maybe people addressed a Whaleboat Capt. as a "Whaler" with the W initial.

Your research makes the theory plausible.

In earlier pieces they sometimes put the Wifes initial on pieces as well, so is the wifes name beginning with W?

 

[ARC]

IMO this is not a snuff box... It is possibly a percussion cap box... or some other function... but you can pretty much scratch the snuff idea.

Open it very carefully after washing with dish soap and water... gently of course.

 

[Nathan W]

Awesome

 

[UnderMiner]

I definitely see something that looks like a whale etched in there.

 

[Eastender]

Another thing to keep in mind is I found it close to Sag Harbor, one of the most important early whaling towns. At its peak in 1845 the whaling fleet numbered around 65 vessels. The area had a rural character and not a particularly large population. The King family were colonial founders.

 

[BennyV]

Wow that’s cool! I read a book about the actual whaling ship that Moby Dick was based on. The ship was called the Essex and the book was written by Nathaniel Philbrick. Interesting read. Those guys went through hell and back again.

After reading the book a few times I actually went to Nantucket and checked out the whaling museum. I’d definitely recommend it if you have a chance to go. Was absolutely amazing! Plenty of tools, clothing, personal artifacts, etc…I also visited many of the homes where the officers of the Essex lived. I’d love the opportunity to detect on that island.

Thanks for sharing your find.

 

[BennyV]

Another thing to keep in mind is I found it close to Sag Harbor, one of the most important early whaling towns. At its peak in 1845 the whaling fleet numbered around 65 vessels. The area had a rural character and not a particularly large population. The King family were colonial founders.

Great point! There were many whaling towns in the northeast. Obviously Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, but also Hyannis, Newport, sag harbor, and new London to name a few.

 

[Blak bart]

Super cool....banner vote for me !!

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

A unique find !

 

[cannonball]

I found this small copper box a few weeks ago at one of my permission sites. At the time I felt bad for not being careful and forcefully snapping the lid off while trying to open it. The box had a tight, well-aligned fit. I didn't clean it (most of my finds I do not clean). Only yesterday did I take a closer look and found an inscription. And today through research of my town's historical record did I find who I think was the owner.

The initials A.K. match that of Abraham King, a whaling boat Captain (1819 - 1902) who made a total of 7 trips around Cape Horn. (See the last photo attached here). My 1870's map show the property was owned by Kings, and the neighboring property belonged to his mother's family. The depiction of a whale etched below the initials gives the theory weight.

Finds like this, backed by historical research and a face to match, are what make this hobby exciting for me, regardless of the what monetary value the piece may actually have.

Nice connection!

 

[Digger RJ]

I found this small copper box a few weeks ago at one of my permission sites. At the time I felt bad for not being careful and forcefully snapping the lid off while trying to open it. The box had a tight, well-aligned fit. I didn't clean it (most of my finds I do not clean). Only yesterday did I take a closer look and found an inscription. And today through research of my town's historical record did I find who I think was the owner.

The initials A.K. match that of Abraham King, a whaling boat Captain (1819 - 1902) who made a total of 7 trips around Cape Horn. (See the last photo attached here). My 1870's map show the property was owned by Kings, and the neighboring property belonged to his mother's family. The depiction of a whale etched below the initials gives the theory weight.

Finds like this, backed by historical research and a face to match, are what make this hobby exciting for me, regardless of the what monetary value the piece may actually have.

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Almy]

It's so nice to find an artifact that can be connected to a particular person and history like this! You might have the beginnings of a history document on the area. Who lived where when, what they did and artifacts you have found which they owned.