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U.S. Navy Support & Amphibious Fleet Matchbook Collection - $180
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Historical Context:
Beyond the battleships and carriers, the Navy's strength relied on a vast "tail" of support ships. Repair vessels, command ships, and amphibious transports each developed fierce pride and unit spirit, often expressed through clever, thematic mascots. These matchbooks capture that creativity and are some of the most visually engaging collectibles in naval ephemera.
Lot Includes:
USS Proserpine (ARL-21) - Repair Ship: A standout for its fun naval cartoon style. Features a fantastic octopus mascot on the front—a perfect symbol for a repair ship whose crews could "fix anything" with multi-tasking prowess. A delightful and graphic piece.
USS Romulus (ARL-22) - Repair Ship: A superb naval insignia collectible from another Achelous-class repair ship. Showcases a powerful wolf mascot artwork, representing strength and tenacity. A bold and classic design.
USS Epping Forest (LSD-4) - Dock Landing Ship: A unique piece from an amphibious ship (LSD). Features a clever kangaroo mascot carrying equipment—an ingenious nod to the ship's role of transporting and launching landing craft from its well deck.
USS Pocono (AGC-16) - Command Ship: A significant matchbook from an Amphibious Force Command Ship (AGC), the floating headquarters for invasion forces. Features a dignified yet formidable alligator crest and insignia, symbolizing the command and control capability of this important vessel.
USS Thetis Bay (LPH-6) - Helicopter Carrier: A rare and highly desirable piece from an early helicopter carrier (LPH), a key innovation in amphibious warfare. Features a fierce dragon mascot, perfectly capturing the revolutionary "vertical assault" capability of this ship class.
Era: Mid-20th Century (WWII through Cold War period).
Type: Official ship's souvenir or mess matchbooks.
Artwork: This lot is defined by its exceptional mascot art—octopus, wolf, kangaroo, alligator, and dragon—each in distinctive period illustration styles.
Condition: As with all vintage paper items, please examine photos closely. These matchbooks show honest age-related characteristics which may include gentle fading, soft edge wear, or minor creasing. Any original matches inside are period artifacts and may be fragile. All flaws are consistent with authentic age. Sold AS-IS as historic collectibles.
Perfect for: The naval historian interested in support operations, the collector who loves vintage illustration and mascots, the veteran or family of these ship types, or anyone seeking unique and graphically strong militaria.
This is a fantastic chance to acquire a truly unique and artistically vibrant set of original U.S. Navy matchbooks, each telling the story of a specialized ship through its unforgettable mascot.