Hand-forged Boat Ring from the Revolutionary War, recovered at Lake Champlain

This is another unique and rare piece being offered, it is a hand-forged Boat Ring from the Revolutionary War. The overall measurement is 7 ½” x 3” with triangular spike for hammering into wood. They were typically used to secure rigging and securing a boat along the shoreline. It was recovered many years ago along the shore of Lake Champlain, NY. This area was called the Battle of Valcour Island.

Valcour Island is on the western side of Lake Champlain between the present-day states of Vermont and New York. On October 11, 1776, the British fleet under the overall command of Guy Carleton traveled south on Lake Champlain from their supply base at St. John. Benedict Arnold was waiting in Valcour Bay, hidden from the British view until they rounded the island.

In the subsequent three-day battle, the British destroyed or captured 11 of the 15 Patriot boats. While a resounding tactical victory, the British were unable to capitalize on their control of Lake Champlain to capture Fort Ticonderoga. After a desultory probe, Carleton led his forces back to Canada for the winter. This battle was the only ‘fleet on fleet” naval battle of the Revolutionary war between British and Patriot ships. The USS Philadelphia was involved in the battle and is now in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC (see pictures).

This item remains in very nice condition, with only some oxidation and surface rust. The area around the island is too shallow for the larger ships, so this piece was probably used by the British or Americans to secure their smaller boats on the shoreline. This is a great piece of Revolutionary War history as well as Naval history.