Please Note: The catalog incorrectly lists this item coming with a Full LOA from JSA. It instead has an Auction LOA from JSA.
The highest ranking officer in U.S. Navy history is appropriately honored with this stately framed display. Housing a variety of elements including checks signed by Admiral George Dewey and his wife Mildred, this majestic display makes a remarkable impression. Elegantly framed in gold gilt with ric-rac bead accent, this professionally mounted ensemble piece centers on a colorful lithograph created by Fred Boger of Cincinnati to celebrate Dewey's total defeat of the Spanish Fleet at Manila during the Spanish-American War. Showing just scant traces of wear, this 12x16 litho is copyright dated "1898" and is formatted with ribbon elements that declare "Our Hero, Avenger of the Maine, Rear Admiral Geo. Dewey, USA".
To the left of the litho are (2) antique bank checks located above and below a brass title plate, with: 5/15/1883 Riggs & Co. of Washington, DC check (XF) signed ("9") by George Dewey (d.1917): the last two letters of this signature are slightly affected by bank cancellation perforations, with minimal impact on the bold appeal of this historic autograph; and 12/30/1918 National Savings & Trust Co. of Washington DC check (XF) signed ("8-9") by Mildred Dewey (d.1931). To the right of the litho are: a cloth patch with five embroidered stars; and an 8x10 photo of the USS Dewey DDG-105 Destroyer missile ship, named for Dewey in 2002.
On 5/24/1903 Dewey was promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Navy, retroactive to 1899. Considered the equivalent of a six-star European "Admiralissimo", this rank is the highest ever awarded to a U.S. Navy officer and matched only by General of the Armies John J. Pershing (and Gerald Ford's 1976 promotion of George Washington to the same rank with seniority, making him forever the highest ranking U.S. military man). Auction LOA from JSA.
Frames included with lots: while we make every effort to protect the frames included in these lots during pre-auction storage and post-auction shipping, we are not responsible for any damage to the frames themselves, and no refunds will be given due to frame damage.