Revolutionary War boat tie-down from a British shipwreck at Lake Champlain, NY

This is another nice early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. Being offered is a boat tie-down. It is hand-forged and weighs over two pounds, and measures 11” x 1 ¼”. It was recovered many years ago from a British shipwreck at Lake Champlain, New York.

Between 1664 and 1763, the Champlain Valley witnessed a continuous struggle between the French and British Empires for control of Lake Champlain and its tributaries. These water routes were strategic highways that provided access into the interior of the Northeast in a period when the only viable means of transportation over rugged land was by water.

Expeditions and forts were continually raised in defense of rival claims of the Champlain Valley and its waterways. Armies and war parties transported themselves on Lake Champlain in fleets of canoes, bateaux, radeaux, row galleys, schooners, and sloops. It would be common for all of these vessels to have a boat tie-down when they got to shore.

This boat tie-down is in very nice condition, solid and no chipping or flaking, indicative of an early recovery. Because of shallow waters along the shore, smaller boats would be needed to go back and forth to the larger vessels, so tie-downs such as this would be necessary. This is one of those relics that you never come across – the first I have seen or acquired. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. A great piece of Revolutionary War history as well as Naval history. As with all the items in this collection, a Certificate of Authenticity will be provided.