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Important 1812 Carved Wood War Ship Shield. Scientific paint analysis confirmed the age and history of the shield.

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This piece of American history was part of the content of the Barbour family’s White Birches Lodge at Forllensby Pond in the Adriondack region. It is thought to be from a ship operating on Lake Champlain circa 1812 and was gift from Mrs. Lila Webb at the Shelburne Farms (located on Lake Champlain) to the Barbour Family after they built White Birches in 1913. 42” h. x 32” in. w. Provenance:Collection of Claude S. Harkins, Americana.

Among the most evocative survivals of early American maritime folk art, this monumental carved wooden shield is believed to have originated from a vessel operating on Lake Champlain during or shortly after the War of 1812. Combining patriotic symbolism with skilled vernacular craftsmanship, the shield embodies a period when the young American republic was actively defining both its national identity and its naval power.

Historical Significance Lake Champlain was among the most strategically important waterways of the War of 1812. Control of the lake determined military movement between Canada and the northeastern United States and culminated in the decisive Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814. Although the exact vessel from which this shield originated remains unknown, its strong association with Lake Champlain places it within one of the most historically significant naval theaters in early American history. Surviving decorative elements from vessels of this era are exceptionally scarce. Scientific Authentication The shield is accompanied by a scientific paint analysis report commissioned by noted Americana collector Claude S. Harkins and conducted by Dr. Jennifer L. Mass. The report concluded that the paint compounds, pigments, and paint layers are consistent with the documented age and history of the object. Provenance • Believed to have originated from a vessel operating on Lake Champlain during or shortly after the War of 1812. • Gifted by Miss Lila Webb of Shelburne Farms to the Barbour family following the construction of White Birches Lodge at Forllensby Pond in 1913. • Preserved at White Birches Lodge as part of the Barbour family collection. • Collection of Claude S. Harkins, Americana. • H&S; Fine Art & Antiques.

This piece of American history was part of the content of the Barbour family’s White Birches Lodge at Forllensby Pond in the Adriondack region. It is thought to be from a ship operating on Lake Champlain circa 1812 and was gift from Mrs. Lila Webb at the Shelburne Farms (located on Lake Champlain) to the Barbour Family after they built White Birches in 1913. 42” h. x 32” in. w. Provenance:Collection of Claude S. Harkins, Americana.

Among the most evocative survivals of early American maritime folk art, this monumental carved wooden shield is believed to have originated from a vessel operating on Lake Champlain during or shortly after the War of 1812. Combining patriotic symbolism with skilled vernacular craftsmanship, the shield embodies a period when the young American republic was actively defining both its national identity and its naval power.

Historical Significance Lake Champlain was among the most strategically important waterways of the War of 1812. Control of the lake determined military movement between Canada and the northeastern United States and culminated in the decisive Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814. Although the exact vessel from which this shield originated remains unknown, its strong association with Lake Champlain places it within one of the most historically significant naval theaters in early American history. Surviving decorative elements from vessels of this era are exceptionally scarce. Scientific Authentication The shield is accompanied by a scientific paint analysis report commissioned by noted Americana collector Claude S. Harkins and conducted by Dr. Jennifer L. Mass. The report concluded that the paint compounds, pigments, and paint layers are consistent with the documented age and history of the object. Provenance • Believed to have originated from a vessel operating on Lake Champlain during or shortly after the War of 1812. • Gifted by Miss Lila Webb of Shelburne Farms to the Barbour family following the construction of White Birches Lodge at Forllensby Pond in 1913. • Preserved at White Birches Lodge as part of the Barbour family collection. • Collection of Claude S. Harkins, Americana. • H&S; Fine Art & Antiques.

This Shield’s bowsprit counterpart is in the Shelburne Museum collection. The shield is said to have been retouched in the early 20th century by noted artist Ogden Pleissner before he changed to watercolors in the 1930’s. Accompanying this piece is the scientific paint analysis report commissioned by the original collector (Mr harkins) and performed by noted analyst Jennifer L. Mass, PH. D., director and senior scientist of Winterthur Museum. ( see Antiques & Arts Weekly July 1, 2011 article ). The report conclude that the paint compound and layers are appropriate and correct for the age and history of this shield. (report to be included with the piece upon purchase). see similar American carved oak wooden shield (Gift from the Levine Folk Art Collection Accession # 2021.505) in the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA https://high.org/collection/american-polychrome-relief-carved-oak-wooden-shield-with-thirteen-stars-on-blue-ground-with-red-and-silver-stripes-below-and-gilt-enrichment/