Dr H
Well-Known Member
It appears that a painted capeskin 37J1 belonging to Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine is being offered for auction (with a ridiculously low reserve). The buyer claims some provenance with other personal effects. The cape is in surprisingly good condition given the age and usual fragility,
Given the possible value of these rare survivors, the possibility of a producing a fake is obvious, but it has the right colour for faded/aged cape jackets of the period (and the thickness/drape of the cape) and the buttons have a dished profile that I've seen in other photos.
Interestingly, and to underline the way the spec varied all over the map, it has a snapped collar (and waistband) and five buttons, rather than the more common six for this contract.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/rear ... c0dbdcc70a
Archive and Navy leather flight jacket belonging to Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine (1896 - 1970). Front of jacket with red circle and the number 1 on the left breast, the back with red dragon atop a torpedo and "VT-2B" representing the torpedo squadron VT-2B from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Circa 1930s. Archive consists of a framed hand drawn and colored "Red Dragon" logo of the VT-2B torpedo squadron and a collection of military photos and personal photos belonging to Ballentine. Many of the military photos detail life aboard the Naval aircraft carrier with numerous examples of the TG-2 bi-planes that were some of the earliest planes equipped with torpedos. Numerous aerial photos of the VT-2B airplane fleet and carrier are also included. Personal effects include photos of Ballentine's home and family and a handwritten letter addressed to Ballentine while an Admiral. Biography: Born in Ohio, Ballentine graduated from the U.S. Naval Acadamy in 1918. He had a long and distinguised military career, serving in both World Wars. Early in his career he became an expert in naval aviation and served on bases in Florida and Texas, in addition to the aircraft torpedo squadron of the American fleet in the Atlantic. From 1922 to 1926 he served as an officer in charge of the naval field testing in Dahlgren (Virginia ). He later served in the Far East and then in the office of the aviation department of the Navy in Washington. He was also the chief of Section Plans of the War department and later served under the command of Admiral Ernest King. In May 1943, he was appointed commander of the USS Bunker Hill and saw continuous service throughout World War II. He received numerous medals and awards acknowledging his achievement including The Silver Star, Legion of Merit, the Victory Medal, and the Yangtze Service Medal, among others.
Additional Lot Information & Condition Report
Condition: Overall wear to jacket with losses to leather, especially to arms. Tearing, losses and holes to wool fabric at neck, arms and base.
Given the possible value of these rare survivors, the possibility of a producing a fake is obvious, but it has the right colour for faded/aged cape jackets of the period (and the thickness/drape of the cape) and the buttons have a dished profile that I've seen in other photos.
Interestingly, and to underline the way the spec varied all over the map, it has a snapped collar (and waistband) and five buttons, rather than the more common six for this contract.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/rear ... c0dbdcc70a
Archive and Navy leather flight jacket belonging to Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine (1896 - 1970). Front of jacket with red circle and the number 1 on the left breast, the back with red dragon atop a torpedo and "VT-2B" representing the torpedo squadron VT-2B from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Circa 1930s. Archive consists of a framed hand drawn and colored "Red Dragon" logo of the VT-2B torpedo squadron and a collection of military photos and personal photos belonging to Ballentine. Many of the military photos detail life aboard the Naval aircraft carrier with numerous examples of the TG-2 bi-planes that were some of the earliest planes equipped with torpedos. Numerous aerial photos of the VT-2B airplane fleet and carrier are also included. Personal effects include photos of Ballentine's home and family and a handwritten letter addressed to Ballentine while an Admiral. Biography: Born in Ohio, Ballentine graduated from the U.S. Naval Acadamy in 1918. He had a long and distinguised military career, serving in both World Wars. Early in his career he became an expert in naval aviation and served on bases in Florida and Texas, in addition to the aircraft torpedo squadron of the American fleet in the Atlantic. From 1922 to 1926 he served as an officer in charge of the naval field testing in Dahlgren (Virginia ). He later served in the Far East and then in the office of the aviation department of the Navy in Washington. He was also the chief of Section Plans of the War department and later served under the command of Admiral Ernest King. In May 1943, he was appointed commander of the USS Bunker Hill and saw continuous service throughout World War II. He received numerous medals and awards acknowledging his achievement including The Silver Star, Legion of Merit, the Victory Medal, and the Yangtze Service Medal, among others.
Additional Lot Information & Condition Report
Condition: Overall wear to jacket with losses to leather, especially to arms. Tearing, losses and holes to wool fabric at neck, arms and base.
