Sep 24, 2020 - Sale 2546

Sale 2546 - Lot 157

Price Realized: $ 562
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
(NAVY.) Papers of Rear Admiral John W.W. Cummings from the Great White Fleet to World War Two. 69 items in one box (0.6 linear feet); condition varies. Vp, 1906-59

Additional Details

John Whitlow Wetherell Cumming (1883-1969) graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1906, and to cap a distinguished career was awarded a bronze star as a rear admiral during World War II. He was also an author of published songs, poetry, and the widely-distributed 1942 inspirational patriotic essay, "A Tribute to Our Flag." This collection of his personal and naval papers includes:
An extremely detailed training log kept as midshipman aboard the newly launched USS Connecticut, regarded as the most advanced ship in the Navy, including its world-wide tour as part of the Great White Fleet. Includes engineering notes, manuscript diagrams and maps, and some logbook entries, along with notes by superior officers reviewing his work. 173 pages, 1906-08.
Album of newspaper clippings relating to his career, 1914-21, with many additional clippings through 1957 laid in.
Writings by Cumming including 3 printings of "A Tribute to Our Flag" (2 inscribed), 2 pieces of manuscript sheet music; 3 pieces of published music; a typescript poem, "Be Still!"; and a prayer card.
14 letters to and from Cumming, 1921-44; 20 photographs (family and naval); and 17 other items including certificates and ephemera.
A small file of 5 items on his son John T. Comming, killed in action during World War II.
And a pencil portrait of Commander Cumming (illustrated).