Description:

PT BOAT GROUPING OF COMMANDER WILLIAM ROBERT FALL
Large collection of items belonging to Commander William Robert Fall, most related to his service on Patrol Torpedo ("PT") boats in the South Pacific. An important grouping featuring many rare items, including: Original handmade circular wool patch, 4 1/4" dia., featuring a hand-embroidered depiction of the insignia of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 17, a devil with pitchfork atop a torpedo, over a blue sea and the gold numeral "17", very good condition. WITH: applied decal, approx. 11" dia., depicting the insignia of MTB Squadron 11, a black cat in profile with the legend "11th MTB''s". The decal is mounted on a section of plywood, and is flaking in several areas most notably across the "MTB''s" legend, else very good. WITH: Brown leather U.S. Model 1916 holster, approx. 10" x 3 3/4", for use with the M1911 pistol and derivatives. Marked on the back as being manufactured by Boyt and dated "42". The holster has been field modified with the removal of the top flap. The leather shows expected wear, with some verdigris to the metal fittings, else very good. WITH: Hunting knife, 5" blade, 9" overall, marked on the tang as being manufactured by Case, housed in a leather scabbard field-repaired with fabric tape. Shows some verdigris to the brass spacers at the handle, else very good. WITH: Hunting knife, 5" blade, 9 1/4" overall, with maker''s mark worn clean and a field-made replacement wooden pommel WITH: Large collection of insignia, medals, and personal effects belonging to Fall, including his U.S. Naval Reserve I.D. tag, Lt. Commander''s shoulder boards, four sets of oak leaf insignia (two gold and two silver), World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal - Navy, five sets of three ribbon bars, Hamilton wristwatch with initials "W.R.F" engraved on the reverse and on the band, and post-war uniform name tag. WITH: Original wartime publication, "Questions and Answers on Marine Engines, Piloting and Meteorology" (New Orleans: Higgins Industries, Inc), [n.d.], 16pp. 8vo., published by one of the primary manufacturers of PT boats. Minor soiling, else very good. WITH: The May 10, 1943 issue of "LIFE" magazine, featuring an article on PT boat actions in the Solomon Islands by John Hersey, with two articles on the same subject excerpted from the "Saturday Evening Post" and the "Cincinnati Enquirer", and a large map of the Pacific Theater, with a detail inset of Japan. Should be seen.

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September 14, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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