Case, Bottle, Champagne, Ceremonial Ship Lauching, 1943, LST-316, Normandy

Rare genuine WWII US openwork metal case, designed for containing a champagne bottle and used for christening LST-316 on the occasion of her launching at the New York Navy Yard on January 28, 1943.

This type of accessory allowed the sponsor to break the bottle without any risk of injury.

The details engraved on the outer surface indicate that some Mrs. Pearl M. Frick was the above-mentioned ship's sponsor.

Height: about 13.40in.

Complete; retains its original cord, adorned with patriotic ribbons; the impact left by the hull is clearly visible in the lower part of the case.

Comes in its original lackered-wood casket, which features a commemorative plate on the lid; hinges and latch are in working order.

USS LST-316 participated in the amphibious operations in Sicily (July 1943), Salerno (September 1943) and Normandy (June 1944).

https://www.navsource.net/archives/10/16/160316.htm

Illustration documents available in digital format only.