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THBHistoric USN Knife Presented To Squalus Salvage Diver 1939
About Seller
448 S. Pattie Ave
Wichita, KS 67211
United States
Nation’s Attic Incorporated is located in Wichita, KS. As a full time business we offer expert factory correct restoration & repair services for antique slot machines made from the 1880’s to 1950. Only dealing in authentic examples of antique slot machines, we are one of the few remaining full time ...Read more
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About Auction
LiveApr 2, 2022
This auction features a lifetime collection of submarine memorabilia including the original christening bottle cage from the USS Squalus in 1938. Antique diving helmets and related equipment from around the world are also featured. Worldwide shipping on all items will be available. Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
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- Lot Description
The greatest submarine rescue in history was aided by United States Navy divers like Coxswain Francis H. O’Keefe. O’Keefe was a diver first class in 1939 and was stationed onboard the USS Falcon. The Falcon was the primary rescue ship carrying divers, equipment and the diving bell that would bring 33 Squalus crew members to the surface.
F.H. O’Keefe was actually the first diver on May 27th to test the Mark V helium rig on site. He would go down to fifty feet for fifteen minutes and return safely. O’Keefe would note in his dive log that a tender scraped his nose when putting the helmet bonnet on. Unlike the standard Mark V helmet, the helium Mark V bonnets were much heaver!
O’Keefe would go on to be awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery and service in helping with the rescue of the USS Squalus. Please see newspaper photo and caption of divers receiving the award (newspaper clipping not included) He was also presented with this US Navy divers knife that was specially engraved to him!
The knife is the classic Mark V divers knife with stainless steel blade, brass sheath and wood handle. The knife was made by the Batteryless Telephone Company (BTE) and is stamped as such on the sheath. USN dive knives made by BTE are relatively rare today and it is just luck this knife was chosen to be presented to Coxswain O’Keefe.
Engraved on the brass sheath is the following:
SQUALUS SALVAGE UNIT
MAY 23, 1939
TO
SEPT. 15, 1939
F.H. O’KEEFE, COX., USN
DIVER FIRST CLASS
The knife itself is in very good condition with age showing on the brass sheath. The engraving is all very clear and sharp. The stainless blade is very presentable but appears to have been cleaned with very light scratches evident.
Without a doubt, this knife is 100% authentic and rare piece of USN diving and USS Squalus history. Worthy of any museum or collection in the world, this prized presentation piece will take any collection to another level.
All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code. - Shipping Info
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Shipping fees listed with each lot pertain to domestic shipping only (contiguous or lower 48). International bidders are subject to higher shipping fees. Please inquire about shipping to a particular country before the start of the auction. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via DHL Express or FedEx Express. USPS is no longer used for international shipments due to issues with tracking packages. Insurance: All items are insured for the full purchase amount less carrier shipping charges, or the maximum amount allowed by the carrier and/or country of destination. Insurance is included in the specified shipping amount listed in the shipping section of the final invoice pricing. All invoices are sent with insurance already factored into the shipping charge. The customer has the right to waive any insurance amount by providing written consent that the customer will not hold Nations Attic, Inc. or its shipping carriers responsible for damaged and/or lost shipments due to uninsured/under insured packages. In some instances, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) reserve the right to only ship certain items if insurance is purchased for the full amount of the item(s) being shipped.
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