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OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY ARCHIVAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTIONITEM SUMMARYUp for sale is a remarkable, authentic collection of mid-century United States Navy official photographic records, dating from World War II through the early Cold War era (1944–1955). This collection includes large-format color transparencies and master intermediate negatives, complete with their original official typed and stamped Navy Department archival jackets.These items originated directly from official naval command archives, including the Naval Photographic Center in Washington, D.C., and represent historically significant material with exceptional archival provenance rarely seen on the public market.⸻PIECE-BY-PIECE HISTORICAL DETAILS1. FEATURE ITEM: 1944 WWII Color Transparency – Medal PresentationDate: Friday, February 18, 1944
Location: Secretary of the Navy’s Office, Washington, D.C.
Catalog Code: OOB-K 1231 / 14019Details: A premium, vibrant positive color film transparency depicting Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox presenting a Gold Star, in lieu of a second Distinguished Service Medal, to Vice Admiral John W. Greenslade, USN. This decoration honored Greenslade’s historic wartime leadership as Commander of the Western Sea Frontier, safeguarding the U.S. Pacific Coast.Includes the original matching typed metadata jacket.2. 1951 Cold War Naval Diplomacy – USS Salem (CA-139)Date: June 18, 1951
Location: Toulon, France
Catalog Code: K-11914Details: A master intermediate negative depicting a formal courtesy call aboard the legendary heavy cruiser USS Salem. The image features Vice Admiral Sala, French Préfet Maritime, alongside Vice Admiral Matthias B. Gardner, USN, Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, both wearing full dress uniforms.Includes the original matching typed identification sleeve.3. 1950s Official Portrait – Secretary of the Navy Francis P. MatthewsDate: Circa 1950
Catalog Code: K-16674Details: An official Navy large-format negative of the formal oil portrait painting of Francis P. Matthews, the 50th Secretary of the Navy under President Harry S. Truman. Matthews oversaw naval operations during the beginning of the Korean War and played a role in the early desegregation policies of the U.S. Armed Forces.Includes the original typed Navy Department index folder.4. 1955 Aerial Survey – Charleston Naval Station, South CarolinaDate: 1955
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Catalog Code: 1C - 20226Details: A large-format intermediate negative showing an expansive aerial view of the historic Charleston Naval Shipyard and its surrounding facilities.The original Navy Photograph jacket is stamped “INTER NEG” and hand-marked “Original.”5 & 6. Mid-Century Naval Office & Scenic NegativesCatalog Codes: K-17455 & K-17522Details: Two official mid-century intermediate film negatives housed in their original Navy-stamped filing jackets.One image captures an interior military office workspace with personnel at a station, while the other depicts an outdoor coastal scenic landscape.⸻CONDITION & SPECIFICATIONSMedia Type: Large-format professional color safety film sheets, including transparencies and negatives.Jacket Type: Original Department of the Navy paper and glassine filing sleeves with typed or handwritten metadata records.Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The film sheets have been stored flat and remain clear, crisp, and clean. The original paper jackets exhibit light, age-appropriate wear and toning, as pictured.Please Note: These are archival film sheets intended for backlighting, professional viewing, or high-resolution scanning. No modern paper prints are included.⸻SHIPPING & HANDLINGThe collection will be shipped securely flat between heavy cardboard layers to prevent bending and minimize the risk of moisture exposure during transit.Tracking and insurance are included.
