Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic "made from" relic from the Spanish American War of 1898 . This is a very rare and ornate brass paperweight which states that it is: "CAST FROM METAL TAKEN FROM THE SPANISH ARMORED CRUISERS VISCAYA AND ALMIRANTE OQUENDO DESTROYED BY THE UNITED STATES NAVY JULY 3RD, 1898".

The reverse side states that it was a New Years' gift - "WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF NEAL & BRINKER, JANUARY 1ST, 1899". This ornate paperweight measures app. 4" x 2-1/2" x 5/8". It is in excellent condition with a very nice patina.

These 2 ships were part of Admiral Cervera's fleet in Santiago,Cuba to defend the Island from the US Navy. During the sea battle off Santiago, the Spanish cruiser ALMIRANTE OQUENDO was damaged quite severely from the combined firepower from the USS IOWA, USS TEXAS and USS BROOKLYN . As a result the Spanish ship, while engulfed in flames, headed towards shore in an effort to beach so that the crew might have a chance to swim to shore. The Spanish cruiser Viscaya (VIZCAYA) was also destroyed and was forced to beach in order to save the crew. The wounded commander of the VISCAYA Captain Eulate and some of his men were rescued by the read more