#5042 • US Navy Archive Related to Sailor James Frank Motson

Part of Fine and Decorative Arts | Day 3 | September 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM (live auction by Alderfer Auction)

Starting at $100.00

Status: No sale

Large archive related to United State Navy sailor James Frank Motson (1888-1950) who served in the US Navy from 1908-1912. Archive includes; 1.) Logbook/journal with 75pp of manuscript writings covering the period of March 4, 1908 thru June 9, 1911. Writings cover Motson's service on 6 different ships and his travels with the Great White Fleet. Book measures 10.5" x 8" and also includes some post navy service writings by Motson. 2.) Book "USS Mayflower" by Edwin A. Falk (1943). Book is signed by author and details the service of the Mayflower as a Presidential yacht. 3.) Early 20th century photograph of unnamed US destroyer measuring 5" x 7" and mounted on 8" x 10" card. 4.) Piece of sailcloth measuring 3.5" x 6" with ink manuscript text written on it "Taken off the Schooner Nancy wrecked by the Mayflower July 23, 1908". This notation is incorrect as the Mayflower collided with the Schooner Menawa, in Long Island Sound and all 6 hand were saved but the Menawa was lost. 5.) Six real photographic postcards (RPPC) of United States Navy ships, most being battleships. 6.) Photograph of the "USS Salem, Phila. N. Yd. 1913" measuring 8" x 10" and mounted on 9.5" x 11" card. Card exhibits some breaks and chips. 7.) Pair of photographs of US Navy Signal School measuring 7.25" x 9" (each) and mounted on 8" x 10" cards. 8.) US Navy appointment and discharges as Electrician 3rd Class for Motson. 9.) Silk apron (souvenir) with belt being a navy cap tally from the USS Salem and pocket made from US Navy rate for an electrician. 10.) Ten photographs of US Navy ships and personnel. Photographs measure 4" x 3" and are mounted on card. 11.) Launch booklet for the USS Pennsylvania (Cruiser) on August 22, 1903. 12.) Group of 139-postcards and RPPC's of navy related views. Many of cards sent by Motson. 13.) Grouping of US Navy pre-WWI ship tallies from USS Wabash, USS Birmingham, and USS Salem. 14.) Three long letters (18pp, 14pp, and 14pp) written by Motson describing shipboard events and travels. 15.) Medal/plaquette commemorating the sailing of the Great White Fleet. Medal obverse features bust of Theodore Roosevelt and text "Theodore Roosevelt-President Of The United States" with reverse showing Liberty pointing to the water and ships with text "Hampton Roads, Dec. 16, 1907, Departure Of United States Atlantic Fleet On Cruise Around The World". Medal measures 62mm x 83mm and is housed in wood shield measuring 7" x 6.5". Provenance: Charles Lekites Collection.