This fantastic carving of a Leatherneck solider was the figurehead of the American Merchant Bark VETERAN. Launched out of Portland, Maine in 1862, VETERAN had a weight of 613 tons, length of 167 feet and beam of 28 feet.
The figure is well carved with good detail and proportions throughout and old paint. Angled as it would have been on the ship, the figure is mounted to a bespoke wood base on wheels. He would have been an impressive sight aboard ship, with a proud military bearing and pointed finger leading the ship at sea.
The term leatherneck, commonly used as a slang term for members of today's American Marine Corps, originally came about as a slang term for American enlisted soldiers between 1798 and 1872 because of their uniform's stiff leather collar or "stock".
The stock was fastened by two buckles at the back and measured between 2.5 and more than 3 inches tall in front, tapering toward the back. The use of a stock among enlisted men supposedly improved their military bearing and appearance by forcing the chin high and posture straight. Some historians believe the stock also helped protect the neck in battle, particularly against sword blows in close fighting.
The figure stands on a bespoke wood base with a plaque that reads,
"Leatherneck"
"The leatherneck is an American militia soldier figurehead from the vessel, VETERAN, launched at Portland, Maine in 1862 and retired from service in 1886. VETERAN had two decks, and was 167 feet long, 28 feet wide."
"The 1830-60 soldier, or leatherneck, wore a high leather collar around his neck as protection during battle. Although a military unit was signified by its uniform colors, the identity of the Leatherneck's unit is unknown because the original colors have been changed on the figurehead."
Figureheads were often repainted many times during a ship's voyages, to protect the figure and as part of the ship's regular upkeep. It's not unusual for the colors to have changed in the period the ship was at sail, as the crew sometimes made do with the colors which were at hand or available in a given port.
