c. 1898 Repousse Silver Pocket Flask, Commemorating Admiral George Dewey's Victory at the Battle of Manila Bay, Depicting his Portrait Beneath an American Eagle and Flag, Flanked by Crossed Cannons, shown above his Flagship "Olympia" Inscribed "The Hero of Manila" and "George Dewey," Choice Extremely Fine.
This wonderful highly decorated Repousse Silver Flask measures 5 x 3 x 1 inches. The face side is worked in high relief within a beaded oval border, depicting a spread winged American Eagle perched above a draped American Flag. Beneath sits a bust portrait of Admiral George Dewey in his naval dress uniform, identified on a ribbon banner reading "George Dewey" and captioned above "The Hero of Manila." Below his portrait, flanked by crossed-cannons, sits an image of a Warship identified as "Olympia," the flagship from which Dewey commanded his squadron to a decisive victory at this Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, in the opening engagement of this Spanish-American War. News of this great naval victory made Dewey an instant national hero, and commemorative items bearing his likeness and the Olympia were produced in its aftermath. This choice quality silver flask offers a finely detailed example of that wave of patriotic memorabilia. Complete with its original silver cap to drink in tribute to one of this era's most celebrated victorious American naval heroes. An outstanding highly attractive example for display.