Description
Given by various navies in recognition for crossing the Equator, this vintage 1943 Imperivm Neptvni Regis certificate was given to a sailor named Reuben Fisher who was aboard the famous aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise when it crossed the Equator on January 15, 1942 for “War Operations Against The Japanese Empire” shortly her planes helped defend Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Although the destination is unknown, it was most likely headed to provide air cover for the Doolittle raid in April 1942. These were just a few of the battles and missions that made the U.S.S. Enterprise the most decorated U.S. ship of World War 2. She saw action at the Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Okinawa and many other pivotal moments of the war on her way to earning 20 battle stars, the most of any warship of the war! The history of this ship is fascinating and well documented….despite being struck many times throughout the war by bombs and kamikaze attcks she survived to the end of the war and sailed into the history books as arguably the most famous aircraft carrier in history. Although she was scrapped in 1958 her memory and items like this amazing naval certificate live on…. This great piece of World War 2 history measures approx 21″ x 16 1/2″ and comes in what is believed to be its original frame. The certificate is in great shape but the frame does have a few scuffs (see pics) but nothing major. It reads: TO ALL SAILORS WHEREVER YE MAY BE: and to all Mermaids, Sea Serpents, Porpoises, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters and all other Living Things of the Sea GREETING: Know ye: That on this 15th day of January 1942 in Latitude 0000 and Longitude xxxx there appeared within Our Royal Domain the U.S.S Enterprise bound SOUTH for the Equator and for War Operations Against The Japanese Empire BE IT REMEMBERED That the said Vessel and Officers and Crew thereof have been inspected and passed on by Ourself and Our Royal Staff AND BE IT KNOWN: By all ye Sailors, Marines, Land Lubbers and others who may be honored by his presence that Reuben Fisher C.M. having been found to be numbered as one of our Trusty Shellbacks he has been duly initiated into the SOLEMN MYSTERIES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF THE DEEP Be It Further Understood That by virtue of the power invested in me I do hereby command all my subjects to show the honor and respect to him wherever he may be. Disobey this order under penalty of Our Royal Displeasure Given under our hand and seal this May 1st 1943 What a great item! We have seen a few of these over the years but not in this condition or with such a famous ship! Please view pictures for best judge of condition Please look closely at all photos for best idea of condition. More pics available upon request We are asking $125 but would consider offers… We have many other antique and vintage items available, so be sure to visit our shop! We are always happy to combine shipping whenever possible! Email us with any questions! This is one of many listings of to come as we move back into the online world after many years. We are a small family owned business located in the Green Mountains of Vermont and have 1000’s of great vintage and antique items we have acquired over the years to list over the coming months. We are always happy to combine shipping wherever possible and stand behind everything we sell, so rest assured if there is a problem we will make it right! We do accept reasonable offers on items as well. so feel free to shoot us an email with any offers or questions. All shipping costs are actual shipping costs (we never charge for handling or packaging) and will promptly refund any overages. Most items ship with a day or two of payment (we do not ship on weekends). We hope you to enjoy these vintage and antique items as much as we do and hope to earn your business! Happy Hunting!