Hand Colored 1942 Royal Navy Arctic Circle Certificate to Gunner Rare!

Description

Up for sale is a very rare, hand-colored Royal Navy "Crossing the Arctic Circle" certificate to Gunner. H.W Hayes in 1942, measuring approximately 12" by 8 1/2". It is similar in concept to the far more common "Crossing the Equator" certificate, which was given to U.S. Navy sailors as part of an elaborate initiation rite when crossing the equator for the first time, earning them the title of "Shellback." The same thing was done with Royal Navy sailors crossing into the Arctic Circle for the first time and becoming members of the "Bluenose Club." This is an outstanding hand-colored example of such a certificate, signed and dated by the commanding officer of the unnamed RN ship, and it comes in what looks to be its original period frame. The omission of a ship name on the certificate was not unusual for vessels operating in an active combat area, and the 1942 date and the fact that it was in Arctic waters strongly suggests that this ship was an escort for freighters making the Murmansk run. I have only seen one other example of this particular style of certificate, and it was not hand colored. Displays beautifully, and it is good overall used condition, with a chip in the frame at upper right (see photo). As with all my items, it is priced to sell.