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Historic U.S. Navy Fletcher-Class & Cold War Destroyer Matchbooks - $135
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Historical Significance:
Destroyers were the relentless guardians of the fleet, and their matchbooks are prized relics of life at sea. This lot represents the evolution from the legendary WWII-era Fletcher class to a post-war design, each with its own unique character and story.
Lot Includes:
USS The Sullivans (DD-537) - Fletcher-Class Destroyer: This is the centerpiece collectible. Named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who perished together in WWII, this Fletcher-class destroyer is now a permanent museum ship in Buffalo, NY. Owning this matchbook is owning a piece of American naval legend and profound historical memory. A matchbook of immense respect and importance.
USS Marshall (DD-676) - Fletcher-Class Destroyer: A superb example of WWII-era naval character. This Fletcher-class matchbook features a bold, colorful mascot graphic, showcasing the fierce pride and identity cultivated by the crew of these iconic warships.
USS Keppler (DD-765) - Cold War Destroyer: Representing the next generation, this Gearing-class destroyer matchbook from the Cold War era features a clean, modern crest design. It highlights the continuity of tradition and unit pride into the postwar period, making for a perfect companion to the earlier vessels.
Era: WWII to Cold War (1940s-1950s).
Type: Official ship's souvenir or mess matchbooks.
Artwork: Includes a legendary ship name, classic mascot art, and a formal heraldic crest, representing the range of naval insignia.
Condition: As historic paper ephemera, please review photos carefully. These matchbooks exhibit honest age-related characteristics consistent with their decades of age, which may include gentle fading, minor edge wear, or subtle creasing. Any original matches inside are considered period artifacts and may be incomplete. All items are sold AS-IS as valuable historical collectibles.
Perfect for: The advanced naval collector, the historian specializing in destroyer history, the museum docent, the veteran or family with ties to these ships, or any patriot seeking a profound piece of 20th-century American history.
Shipping: Items will be secured between archival-quality boards, shipped in a rigid, protective mailer, and fully insured. For safety and postal compliance, any vintage matches will be removed prior to shipment. The invaluable matchbook covers will be shipped intact with the utmost care.
This is a rare chance to acquire a historically deep and visually striking group of original U.S. Navy destroyer matchbooks, anchored by an iconic piece of national history.