Hammer of Freedom by David Crisalli

"I graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the bicentennial year of 1976, which, by happy accident, was perfectly in keeping with my love of all things Colonial.  In addition to my 26 year naval career, I have worked in many professions from dental technician to gunsmith to rocket scientist to goldsmith.  A few years ago, I made a gold necklace charm and matching earrings in the shape of a miniature flintlock hammer for my wife. They would always catch people’s attention, but no one knew what they were.  I was always disappointed that most of my countrymen could not recognize a basic part of the simplest and most important instrument that won them their independence.

So now, once a year, usually just before April 19th (Lexington Green day) and the 4th of July, I sit at my bench and make up several jewelry items using the flintlock motif…the “Hammer of Freedom”… and I send pieces to people I feel are true American patriots.

On Lexington Green, in April of 1775, one of the American colonists gathered there shouldered his musket and fired that first round of the most momentous revolution in the history of mankind.  In its iron jaws, the hammer on that lock firmly held the flint that ignited a war and ultimately released America from the iron jaws of empire.  A free nation came into being by the will of a determined people bearing arms.  Over the years, that nation has been defended time and again by the equally courageous and determined descendants of those first patriots.   While the technology of their weapons changed with the generations, their right to be free Americans was won with a flintlock musket.

The graceful hammer of a flintlock is a subtle symbol of that courage and determination.  It is also a symbol of our inalienable right to arm ourselves in defense of our freedoms, our families, our lives, and those who cannot defend themselves.  All of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans began with courage… and a flintlock on Lexington Green."

Copy and photos supplied by David Crisalli.