Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Catalog Number |
1948.1 |
Date |
1900-1948 |
Material(s) |
Wood/Lead |
Dimensions |
H-11.75 W-4.063 D-4 inches |
Description |
This piece is known as the "Bunker Hill" sculpture. It is a stacked wood sculpture on a four sided chamfered base. There is a mahogany pedestal atop the base with an inverted cannon nailed to the front. There is an obelisk atop the pedestal with a cartridge box glued to the left face and waving U.S. flag with four stripes and checkered field glued to the right face. The front face is pierced by two holes revealing two old bullets, probably Minié balls. There are two more chamfered pedestals atop the obelisk that support a carved eagle with a large teardrop body and small wings seated on a beehive shaped structure. The various levels are connected by nails, glue and varnished. |
Notes |
Tradition holds that the wood used for this carving came from a tree at Bunker Hill. The Minie bullets were adopted by the U.S. Army in 1855 and were the most common ammunition of the Civil War. This was probably made from wood recovered from a Civil War battle site. |
Collection |
John Coffelder Collection |
Event |
American Civil War |
Subjects |
Carvings Civil wars Wood working |
Search Terms |
American Civil War Bunker Hill |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |