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VINTAGE SS UNITED STATES STEAMSHIP UNITED STATES STICK PIN D219
Based on SS standing for the method of ship propulsion--steam ship or screw streamer-- it appears this pin is for the SS United States.
Missing white enamel in lower corner. Unmarked, unsigned. Please see photos for details. Note lighting variations may alter colors of item in photos.
weight: ~2.27 g
From Wikipedia:
SSUnited Statesis a retiredocean linerbuilt between 1950 and 1951 forUnited States Lines. She is the largest ocean linerconstructed entirely in the United Statesand the fastest ocean liner tocross the Atlanticin either direction, retaining theBlue Ribandfor the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952, a title she still holds.
The ship was designed by Americannaval architectWilliam Francis Gibbsand could have been converted into atroopshipif required by theNavyin time of war. The ship served as an icon for the nation, transporting numerous celebrities throughout her career between 1952 and 1969. Her design included innovations in steam propulsion, hull form, fire safety, and damage control.
Following a financial collapse of United States Lines, she was withdrawn from service in a surprise announcement. The ship has been sold several times since the 1970s, with each new owner trying unsuccessfully to make the liner profitable. Eventually, the ship's fittings were sold at sale, leaving her stripped by 1994. Two years later, she was towed toPhiladelphia, where she has remained.
Since 2009, the 'SSUnited StatesConservancy' has been raising funds to save the ship. The group purchased her in 2011 and has drawn up several unrealized plans to restore the ship, one of which included turning the ship into a multi-purpose waterfront complex. In 2015, as its funds dwindled, the group began accepting offers toscrapthe ship; however, sufficient donations came in via extended fundraising. Donations have kept the ship berthed at her Philadelphia dock while the group continues to further investigate restoration plans. The ship has been ordered to leave her pier by September 2024 by a judge due to a rent dispute. Currently, her fate is unknown as the conservatory has just months to move the ship.
