SOLD
500.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2013 Jan 30 @ 13:24UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
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CHESTER W. NIMITZ (1885 - 1966) American admiral, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II and largely responsible for the successful "island-hopping" campaign against the Japanese. Fine lot of five items pertaining to Chief Torpedoman's Mate Byron K. Gradoville's service aboard the submarine USS SCAMP. Includes two signed commendations by Nimitz, each 1p. 4to. on U.S. Pacific Fleet letterhead, [n.p., n.d.] praising the sailor. The first commends the sailor for heroism while on patrol on Apr. 7, 1944. Nimitz notes that the vessel had been bombed by enemy aircraft and had lost all power with its control room filled with poisonous smoke. With the submerged submarine at risk of being lost, Gradoville risked his life to assess damage in all compartments. Once surfaced, he further risked grievous injury by unhesitatingly entering the wrecked superstructure to further determine the extent of the destruction. The second document also commends Gradoville for assisting his commanding officer: "...during a strenuous patrol period...". Both documents award commendation ribbons and are boldly signed. Accompanied by a U.S. jack, traditionally flown at the bow of the vessel with this example also from Grodoville's estate and presumably from the SCAMP, 33 1/4" along the hoist and 50" long, cotton with 36 stars sewn to both sides, four brass grommets affixed to the white canvas hoist which is stenciled: "UNION JACK NO 7 M I DEC 1942". Scattered moth nips and soiling which is consistent with use. Also present is Gradoville's double-ribbon pin-on bar and engraved Military Merit medal. A fine grouping. On Apr. 7, 1944 the SCAMP was bombed and sank to 300 feet where she finally leveled off. She "see sawed" three times, and started down a third time before power was regained. On Nov. 14, she was ordered to take up a life guard station off Tokyo Bay in support of B-29 bomber strikes, but failed to acknowledge the message. The vessel, likely again bombed, was never heard from again.
Auction Location:
860 Canal Street. Second Floor., Stamford, Connecticut, 06902, United States
Please note that lots purchased are subject to sales taxes where applicable unless a resale number is filed with us prior to the auction. Invoices not paid within thirty days of the date of invoice will incur a 1.5% per month late payment fee.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
22.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice. Note: Large, heavy and bulky itmes are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipments for these pieces.
Shipping & Mailing
In most cases, shipping will be by USPS Priority (for domestic) and USPS International Express (for International), or UPS at our discretion, at a fixed rate of $12.00 and $35.00 respectively. If an item is unusually heavy, odd-sized, require special packing techniques or is otherwise out of the ordinary, there may be additional charges. Requests for alternative carriers will be accepted when practical with any additional expense billed to the customer. Combined shipping will be accommodated whenever possible. Insurance is always included and direct signatures will be required.
IMPORTANT: As noted in the Terms and Conditions of Sale, we no longer ship oversized or heavy material. These lots have been identified in the catalog with a short note at the end of the description. We reccomend the following shippers for this material:
Alexander Services
94 Franklin St.,
Stamford, CT 06901
Tel. (203) 324-4012
The UPS Store
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Stamford, CT 06905
Tel . (203) 356-0022
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2. This auction will begin at 11:30 AM Eastern time on Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22, 2011.
3. There is a 19.5% Buyer’s Premium charged on the final hammer price of each lot. An additional 3% (for a total of 22.5%) will be added to lots purchased live through the Internet via icollector.com.
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13. Payment is expected immediately upon, (but not before) receipt of invoice. Payments may be made via mail, phone, fax, or in person. We accept checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and PayPal (payable to sales@alexautographs.com). All accounts are payable to Alexander Historical Auctions. Payment must be made in U.S. funds. Wire transfer details are available upon request. Please note that lots purchased are subject to sales taxes where applicable unless a resale number is filed with us prior to the auction. Invoices not paid within thirty days of the date of invoice will incur a 1.5% per month late payment fee.
14. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice. Note: large, heavy and bulky itmes are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipments for these pieces. Please see the page titled "Bidding Procedure" for contact information for reccomended shippers.
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