LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Apr Books, Manuscripts & Autographs #658  / 

25304

Late 19th Century U.S. Naval Grouping

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Late 19th Century U.S. Naval Grouping
<B>Late 19th Century U.S. Naval Grouping,</B></I> associated with Lt. Commander Walter S. Burke (1866 - 1931), an 1887 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. After being commissioned an ensign in 1889, Burke taught Physics and Chemistry at the Academy until being assigned to the Bureau of Steam Engineering in 1892. Sea duty followed aboard the U.S.S. <I>Cincinnati</B></I> during which time an injury forced early retirement from the service. Fortunately, Burke was able to find employment with Harvard University in 1895 as an Instructor of Mechanical Engineering. He eventually rose to become a building and grounds inspector for the institution. Artifacts and archival material pertaining to Burke's career are being offered as follows: <BR><B>Fore and aft hat in original custom tin case,</B></I> with Horstman & Sons imprint on liner and "Burke" neatly scratched into side of tin. Wear to extremities of hat, expected wear and scuffs to tine. Fine condition. <BR><B>Pair of ensign's epaulettes in original custom box,</B></I> heavy gold bullion. Very fine condition. <BR><B>Pair of lt. commander's epaulettes,</B></I> heavy gold bullion with oak leaves insignia. Fine condition. <BR><B>Ensign's dress tunic,</B></I> with two rows of nine gilt U.S. Navy officer's buttons, one sleeve strip with red piping. Moderate mothing resulting in some fabric loss between shoulder blades. Good condition.<BR><B>Naval officer's belt rig,</B></I> with false gilt two-piece naval belt plate and sword hangers. Wear to belt, else fine condition.<BR><B>Three cabinet cards,</B></I> ca. late 1880s, showing Burke variously as a civilian, a midshipman and a young officer. Bend to most recent image, else fine condition. <BR><B>Albumen photograph,</B></I> 14" x 11", by James H. Hare, Brooklyn, New York, showing the U.S.S. <I>Cincinnati.</B></I> Marginal damp stains, some soiling. Very good condition. <BR><B>U. S. Naval Academy appointment,</B></I> one page, partially printed, 9.25" x 15", Washington D.C., signed by Secretary of the Navy William E. Chandler. Folds, else fine condition. <BR><B>U. S. Naval Academy course completion certificate,</B></I> one page, partially printed on vellum, 17.5" x 21.5", Annapolis, Maryland, June 10, 1887. Signed by Academy administration and faculty. Uneven edges, likely as made. Very fine condition. <BR><B>U. S. Naval Academy diploma,</B></I> one page, partially printed on vellum, 15.75" x 22", Annapolis, Maryland, June 1,1889. Attractive with large naval engraving and a smaller inset vignette of a midshipman with a sextant. Uneven edges, very fine condition. <BR><B>Navy Department certificate of appreciation,</B></I> one page, partially printed, 9.5" x 13.5", signed by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, Washington, D.C., November 11, 1920. Stains, else fine condition. This document reflects Burke's recall to the Navy during World War I when he supervised the Mechanical Division of the Boston Navy Yard. <BR><B>Over 20 pieces of printed ephemera,</B></I> including two passports, orders and official letters. Average fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot