Original British War of 1812 Royal Navy “Bugbear’ Carved Coconut with Wooden Stand named to H.M.S. CYANE Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a lovely original English carved naval coconut, known as a “bugbear”. Being a fully carved coconut shell with traditional naval and masonic symbols, the opening in the top represents the mouth with the two other still plugged holes representing the eyes of the “wind “. The shell has a carving of an anchor in conjunction with a wheel, also an eight pointed star around a central Christian cross. It is supported on an old turned hardwood stand with an egg cup style integral mount, on which there is a sterling silver oblong plaque stating :-

HMS – CYANE

HMS Cyane was a Royal Navy Banterer-class sixth-rate post ship of nominally 22 guns, built in 1806 at Topsham, near Exeter, England. She was deployed all around the globe on British Admiralty business ranging from exploration to diplomatic duties. In 1812 HMS Cyane and four other vessels were involved with the U.S.S. Constitution, but were completely outgunned, while the Constitution got the nickname of “old ironsides”. Cyane was captured and became the U.S.S. Cyane and was used as an anti-slavery ship. She was broken up in 1836.

The carved coconut bugbear is about 4 inches in diameter, with a height of just under 5 inches. The base measures 5 ¼ inches in diameter, with a height of 2 ¼ inches. There are inlets on the inside of the “cup” where the three ridges on the bottom of the bugbear rest, holding it in place lightly.

A truly fascinating British sailor’s “bugbear” with a known history on its custom original stand, ready to display!