A Very Fine, Shinto, Tokugawa Tachi Presented to Admiral Wildes {Capt of USS Boston, Of Admiral Dewey's Spanish War Fleet} In Yokahama Japan in 1896.

Acquired from his descendant family. Famously, in America the US Navy hero's dress uniform and gold sword was auctioned by Skinnersinc, after his gold, presentation American admiral's sword, was discovered after being locked in a mysterious family trunk for decades. It made American national news across the States, at the time the trunk was opened, to reveal ts magnificent treasure and it was sold for $31,200.
Admiral, formerly Captain, Frank Wildes commanded the Protected Cruiser USS Boston (Cruiser No. 1) during the Spanish-American War, leading its crew of 19 officers and 259 men in action, a significant historical ship with a notable captain known for his leadership on this vessel.
Key Details about Captain Wildes & USS Boston:
Ship: USS Boston (Cruiser No. 1) was a protected cruiser, a type of warship.
Era: Captain Wildes commanded her during the Spanish-American War.
Command: He led a substantial crew of 19 officers and 259 enlisted men.
Legacy: His name appears on the roster of commanding officers for the USS Boston, highlighting his role in the ship's history.

When USS Boston left Hong Kong for the war in Manila the British naval officers in Hong-Kong knew the difference between us and the Spanish in this particular, and when we were leaving port for Manila the captain of the HMS Immortality shouted to Captain Wildes: “You will surely win. I have seen too much of your target practice to doubt it.” The British in China were confident of our victory when we sailed, but I believe that the Russian, German, and French naval officers thought Spain would conquer.

From Gunner Joel C. Evans account after the victorious battle, 'When I returned to Hong-Kong on the SS McCulloch, leaving Manila on May 5. We made the trip in forty-six and a half hours. Our reception in the harbor was generous. We were surrounded by launches, while representatives of governments and of newspapers all over the world implored speedy information. That night ashore was to be remembered. ‘The Americans made a jollification of it that outdid any celebration in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. The British residents joined in it, and in spirit the men of the two nations were one in rejoicing over the victory of the Anglo-Saxon."

USS BOSTON was assigned to the United States Asiatic Squadron under Commodore Dewey. She took part in the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, and the capture of the city of Manila on August 13th. The cruiser remained in the Philippines, assisting in their pacification, until June 1899. BOSTON returned to San Francisco in August, 1899 and went out of commission, rejoining the Pacific Squadron in 1902. In June, 1905 she helped represent the Navy at the Lewis and Clark Exposition at Portland, Oregon, and between April 23 and May 10, 1906 she helped care for the victims of the San Francisco earthquake and fire. As a militia training vessel and receiving ship she survived until 1946.

Code: 26063