US Pre WWI Era China Sailor Embroidered Tapestry & Medal Grouping, USS San Diego
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $795.00

Original era manufacture. I just love these embroidered tapestrys, in fact, we have a similar one for a China Marine hanging on our wall. This example measures 21x28 inches in a wooden frame. It shows some fading to the purple silk background but the flags are quite clear and bright. The bw photo is of Claude W. Cook USN. In addition to the tapestry is a nice assortment of medals and souvenirs pertaining to Cook's service. The centerpiece of which would be his US Navy Good Conduct Medal which is named to him, dated 1918 showing service aboard the USS San Diego, a Pennsylvania Class Armored Cruiser. A bar named to the USS Idaho and dated 1919 on the reverse is pinned to the ribbon. On the 19th of July 1918 while sailing to New York a mysterious explosion occured below the waterline of the San Diego resulting in her sinking within 28 minutes of the explosion with a loss of 6 lives. The board of inquiry blamed a mine for the loss of the ship. This was the only capital ship lost to the US Navy during WWI. Other items of note include his dogtags, WWI Victory medal with ESCORT bar, three sterling marked Bosun's pipes and a cap ribbon for the USS NEVADA. Evidently Cook had a long and honorable career in the Navy attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. A very nice grouping with excellent research potential.