US NAVY ARCHIVE OF COMMANDER JOHN P. MCGUINNESS.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023

This lot consists of material belonging to USN Commander John P. McGuinness (USN 1881 - 1906,) serving during an important period in the rise of the U.S. as a world power: 2 M1852 USN officer's swords, 2 sword knots, sword belt, 2 pairs of officer's epaulets, 81 letters and documents chronologically arranged documenting his service, and his beautiful, gold, engraved US Naval Academy ring. McGuinness was Cadet Midshipman 1881; USNA Class of 1885; Ensign, 1887; Lieutenant J.G. 1896; Lieutenant 1899; Lt. Commander 1904. Letters start with 1885 assignment to USS Mohican and go through his retirement as a Commander in 1906, with service also on the Coast and Geodetic Survey and as Inspector of Ordnance, a duty he performed again after retirement in 1906 and 1907. Among other postings, he served on board the Mohican, Hartford, Shenandoah, Adams, Vandelia, McArthur, Hessler, Alert, Monocacy, Columbia, Albatross, Independence, Nero, Iowa, and Buffalo. Letters include notices of promotion, assignment and transfer. He was credited with aiding in the rescue of 3 men from a sinking tug in 1895. CONDITION: Very good to excellent. The gold ring features a sailing ship engraved on a red-black gemstone, and is heavily cast and chased with crossed anchor and sword with cable motifs and engraved inside: "Cadet Midn. J.P. McGinnis Class of '85 U.S.N.A." The swords lack scabbards but are very good. One is by Horstmann with engraved blade slightly graying. The other is by Henry V. Allien & Co., bright blade with some tiny edge nicks, lots of gilt on hilt. Grips on both excellent. Belt is solid, nice finish, both slings in place. Epaulettes very good. One pair by Starkey, London; the other marked France. The Starkey pair show some darkening. The pair made in France are bright. The letters and documents include signatures of some notable figures such as the Secretary of the Navy, etc.

Item Dimensions: Longest 35 - 1/4"

Name

Value

Blade Length

(BOTH) 30 - 1/2"

Overall Length

(BOTH) 35 - 1/4"