On eBay Now...Rare Vintage US Naval War College Plaque R Pette Co Providence RI Navy 8x6 Award For Sale
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Rare Vintage US Naval War College Plaque R Pette Co Providence RI Navy 8x6 Award:
$250.00
A particularly scarce piece of United States Naval War College memorabilia—and much more interesting than a modern mass-produced military wall plaque.This vintage shield plaque was manufactured by R. Pette Co. of Providence, Rhode Island, whose original black-and-gold maker label remains attached to the reverse. It features a substantial dimensional United States Naval War College crest mounted to a beautifully finished approximately 8” x 6” wooden shield.The raised emblem reads:THE UNITED STATES NAVAL WAR COLLEGEand carries the Naval War College motto:VIRIBUS MARI VICTORIAThe center features the distinctive trident rising above stylized waves, surrounded by deeply relieved antiqued gold/brass-tone detailing.R. PETTE CO. — AN INTERESTING MILITARY CONNECTIONWhat makes this plaque especially interesting is the maker.The Intrepid Museum’s permanent collection contains a documented R. Pette Co. military presentation plaque dated February 10, 1973. That museum example is a shield-shaped wood-and-metal plaque commemorating a U.S. Navy commander’s 300th landing aboard USS Intrepid. The museum specifically documents the same style of reverse maker label reading “R. Pette Co. / Prov. R.I.” Another surviving R. Pette example is an approximately 8” x 6” U.S. Navy VX-5 Vampires plaque—essentially the same size format as this Naval War College piece—and is associated with the 1971–1973 period and a named Chief Warrant Officer. Together, these surviving examples show that R. Pette Co. produced substantial plaques for U.S. Navy units and personnel, including documented presentation pieces.SCARCE NAVAL WAR COLLEGE EXAMPLEDespite extensive searching, I have been unable to locate another identical R. Pette Co. United States Naval War College 8” shield plaque currently available or documented in readily searchable marketplace results.That does not prove how many were originally manufactured, so this piece is not being represented as a numbered limited edition or one-of-a-kind item. However, surviving R. Pette military plaques appear far less commonly than today’s mass-produced military souvenirs, and this particular Naval War College design appears especially difficult to find.The Providence, Rhode Island maker is also a fitting regional connection for a plaque representing the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.DETAILS* Vintage United States Naval War College plaque* Manufactured by R. Pette Co., Providence, Rhode Island
* Original R. Pette Co. maker label remains on reverse
* Approximately 8” tall x 6” wide
* Traditional shield-shaped wooden plaque
* Rich dark brown wood grain
* Beveled/routed perimeter
* Large dimensional metal Naval War College crest
* Antiqued gold/brass-tone finish with dark recessed detailing
* Trident and waves insignia
* “VIRIBUS MARI VICTORIA” motto
* Built-in keyhole hanger
* No personalization or nameplateThe plaque remains very attractive for its age, with normal light cosmetic wear and finish variation consistent with a vintage displayed piece. Please examine all photographs carefully—they are part of the description and show the exact plaque being offered.An excellent acquisition for a Naval War College graduate, U.S. Navy veteran, military officer, Newport/Rhode Island collector, Naval War College historian, or serious U.S. militaria collection.You will receive the exact R. Pette Co. plaque pictured. Related Items:
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