This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2019
Highly sought after one page 19" x 15" document dated September 11, 1947. An attractive Shellback certificate issued to Honorable Matthew J. Connelly and reads, in part: “To all sailors wherever ye may be, and to all Mermaids, Whales, Sea Serpents, Porpoises, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters and all other Living Things of the Sea, Greetings. Know ye that on this 11th day of Sept. 1947, in Latitude 0000 and Longitude 36°30' there appeared within Our Royal Domain the U.S.S. Missouri B.B.63 bound North for the Equator and for the United States …Be it remembered…Honorable Matthew J. Connelly…having been found worthy to be numbered as one of our Trusty Shellbacks has been duly initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of Deep.” Signed by “Davey Jones” and “Neptunus Rex” in type and boldly signed in fountain pen by Harry S. Truman over the printed Naval seal. Easily one of the most desirable documents signed by Truman, honoring a tradition in the Navy. Shellback documents such as this very rarely appear on the market. Overall in good condition with minor handling wear. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).