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Original Cold War 1963–1964 U.S. Navy submarine presentation award featuring a vintage RCA microphone top mounted to a custom wood base. Presented to Lt. R.B. Wellborn during his service aboard the nuclear ballistic missile submarine USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630).
Measurements
• Total height: 10 3/4”
• Base dimensions: 4 1/4” W × 5 3/4” D
• Weight: 1 lb 14.0 oz
Details
• Vintage black RCA microphone top mounted on a custom wooden desk stand
• Sloped hardwood base with red-painted "CONTROL" button
• Engraved brass plaque: U.S.S. JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN 630) / EMMY AWARD / BEST PERFORMER / 1963-1964 / LT. R.B. WELLBORN, USN
• A great piece of period Navy humor, pairing an RCA microphone with the tongue-in-cheek “EMMY AWARD / BEST PERFORMER” presentation.
• Sourced directly from the estate of Capt. Raymond Burke “Buddy” Wellborn, USN (USNA Class of 1959), who served aboard USS John C. Calhoun during the period represented by this award. Wellborn later commanded the submarine USS Entemedor (SS-340) and the ammunition ship USS Mount Baker (AE-34) during a 30-year Navy career.
Condition
• Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate surface wear, scratches and patina.
• RCA microphone housing is intact.
• Wood base shows scattered handling marks and scratches, particularly to the underside.
• Brass plaque shows surface toning.
Sold as a historic presentation/display piece; microphone functionality has not been tested.
