Description: James Forrestal began his Government service in August 1940, as special assistant to President Roosevelt.This commission hand-signed personally by Forrestal, as NEWLY CREATED POSITION OF Acting Sec. (UNDERSECRETARY of Navy), prior to his later appointment to position of actual Secretary of Navy in May, 1944, when his predecessor Knox died of a heart attack. He served in that position, until being promoted to the First SECRETARY OF DEFENSE by Harry Truman / Sep. 17, 1947 - March 28, 1949. This actual commission document is on original engraved vellum - guaranteed to be authentic. It was found in the lower half of the original rigid document cardboard tube, with no top, and decorated with the ribbon bow ( still attached).It was presented to Henry Kirchner on his graduation from Annapolis, June 19th , 1942. Certified - registration No. 548 by Registrar Schuyler. I have no information on what happened to Kirchner after his appointment to Ensign. No family was available when purchased. The engraved illustrations are steel engravings, done in fine detail, showing the eagle at the top, Neptune and his entourage of mermaids and sea horses - traveling the oceans in middle of certificate, and the canons and flags with round blue seal in center, at bottom.. Certificate measures approximately 16”x 20”. Blue ( or purple) Seal near bottom is an embossed overlayed seal, saying “Navy Department” at top, and “The United States of America” at bottom.This document was purchased at an estate liquidation in the 1970’s, by me, in the Chicago suburbs. Commission and rigid tube will be packed carefully and shipped with rolled certificate inside, upon receipt of payment notification by EBAY.Please ask, if you have any questions.
Price: 125 USD
Location: Okatie, South Carolina
End Time: 2024-08-18T21:52:38.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Condition of presentation container: Great - except top cover is missing-has ribbon outside
President: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Document Material: Vellum , stored in original presentation tube, with orig. ribbon
Signed by: James Forrestal ( hand-written in pen)- some lightening
Date of document / documented on it: JUNE 19th , 1942
Signed: Yes
Autograph Authentication: Guaranteed Authenticity by Seller
COMMISSION Signed by Registrar of document as Registered no. 548: Hand-signed in ink
Original/Reproduction: Original
FDR SIGNATURE BELOW EAGLE AT TOP: Appears to be Autopen
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Modified Item: No
