Special Collections
Although all the images in the Museum can be accessed via the indexes listed in the Main Collection, it is sometimes helpful to create alternative views that focus on a different or more narrow aspect of Naval Covers. If you have a particular topic that you wish to research, consider creating a special collection here and then add an entry in the News page to announce it. Hopefully people with Naval Covers or knowledge related to your topic will help out.
- The Famous Fifty Destroyers The goal of this view is to display the fifty destroyers that the United States turned over to Great Britain, beginning in September of 1940. In May 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill appealed to the United States President Franklin Roosevelt, for the use of U.S. destroyers to aid in the protection of North Atlantic convoys. As the U.S. was "officially" neutral in the war, this request was refused. Over the course of the next months, the question was revisited with the joining of Italy to the Axis Powers, the fall of France, and continued devastating losses to British shipping. After legal consultation, FDR determined that the United States could "trade" fifty "over-age" destroyers in exchange for 99 year lease rights on British bases in the Western Hemisphere, without actually being considered as a direct attempt to aid the British in the war, by appearing as a purchase of the old vessels. All but one of the fifty vessels served in the North Atlantic. The U.S.S. WELLES being the exception, as she was damaged beyond repair in a Luftwaffe air strike before refit was completed. Forty-four of the vessels were named for towns that the U.S. and Britain shared names with, the other six after rivers common to the U.S. and Canada.
- Ships Present at Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941 The goal of this view is to display the ships that were present at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack of December 7th, 1941. In order to be "A Pearl Harbor Survivor", a ship must have been in the confines of Pearl Harbor itself, or within 3 miles of Oahu, T.H....this includes Honolulu Harbor. Over 180 vessels were present that day.
- Ships Named for Pearl Harbor Heroes The goal of this view is to display the ships named in honor of the men regarded as Heroes during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Most of these men received awards ranging from Naval Commendations to Medals of Honors. Most of these men were killed during the attack. While most ships in the destroyer class are named for Naval Heroes...this single battle produced the most named ships.
- U.S. Ships Present in Tokyo Bay During Surrender Ceremony, 2 September 1945 The goal of this view is to display the United States Ships that were present in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945, to participate in the surrender of The Japanese Empire ceremony. Only U.S. vessels with a recognized post office, or known to have used a device are included here. Many smaller craft were present, as well as vessels from Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Other U.S. vessels arrived in the following months. This list is compiled from The Report of Surrender and Occupation of Japan 11 February 1946, Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas (CINPAC/CINPOA)
- Meter Cancels The goal of this view is to display all the Meter postmarks in one place in order to get a better understanding of exactly how many different styles exist. The results from this research will determine whether the Meter types defined in the Catalog of United States Naval Postmarks are sufficient or need to be revised.
- Ships Named in Honor of United States Marines and Members of Other Services Serving with the Marines The goal of this view is to display all the ships that have been named after Marines or other Service members serving with the Marines. Naval Chaplains and Corpsman fit into this category. Also listed at the end are ships named after famous battles that the US Marine Corps fought in. The list was orignally created by USCS members Paul Nitchman and Alvin Eckert with updates by USCS members Glenn L. Smith (LtCmdr. USN) and Greg Ciesielski (Cpl. USMC).
- Great White Fleet, 100th Anniversary The purpose of this collection is to display the various postmarks and covers created for the 100th Anniversary of the Great White Fleet. These postmarks will be from USPS locations and Ships of the US Navy.
- Centennial of Naval Aviation, USMC - USN - USCG The purpose of this collection is to display the various postmarks and covers created for the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation. These postmarks will be from USPS locations and Ships of the US Navy.
- USCS Convention Covers The first National Universal Ship Cancellation Society Convention was held in Los Angeles CA 23-25 August 1940. The latest convention was held at SESCAL in Los Angeles CA 9-11 October 2009.
- Personal Effects & Memorabilia A sub-category of special collections containing scans of naval-related personal effects, photos, and other memorabilia, typically from individuals.
To create a new Special Collection view, either contact the Curator or edit this page yourself and add it. See Editing the Special Collections Page for detailed information on editing this page.
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