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Record 886/1708
Description 
A Shellback Certificate for John A. Chambers issued when a sailor crosses the Equator. It is a very large ornate sheet printed in green and black ink with additional names in brown and black ink. There is a shadow picture of a pre WWII cruiser in the background. It reads as follows: "Ruler of the Raging Main, To all sailors wherever ye may be and to all Mermaids, Sea Serpents, Whales, Sharks, Porpoises, Dolphins, Skates, Eels, Suckers, Lobsters, Crabs, Pollywogs and other Living Things of the Sea., Greeting: Know ye: That on this eighth day of August 1943 in Latitude 0 00" 00" and Longitude 150 (degrees)- 17" W. there appeared within the limits of Our Royal domain, the (the name of the ship is blank perhaps for security reasons), Be it Remembered, That the said Vessel and Officers and Crew thereof have been inspected and passed on by ourself and our Royal Staff, And Be It Known: By all ye Sailors, Marines, Land Lubbers and others who may be honored by his presence, that, John A. Chambers, having been found worthy to be numbered as ONE OF OUR TRUSTY SHELLBACKS has been gathered to our fold and duly initiated into the, Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep., Be it further Understood: That by virtue of the power invested in me. I do hereby command all of my subjects to show due honor and respect to him whenever he may enter Our Realm., Disobey this order under penalty of Our Royal Displeasure., Given under our hand and seal this eighth Day of August 1943 Signed Davy Jones His Majesty's Scribe, Chas. A. Barrett, Master, Neptunus Rex, Ruler of the Raging Main"
Domain of Neptunus Rex -Topic: People and Organizations -This image is the property of the Marblehead Historical Commission
Image
Shellback Certificate

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION ~ This image is the property of the Marblehead Historical Commission and may not be used in any form without prior permission. When using this image with permission, the credit information should be in the following format: Image courtesy of the Marblehead Historical Commission, Marblehead, MA.

Rev. 1.0a 1/2009 Contact the Historical Commission at 781-639-3425 or e-mail us (please include the "Object ID" number) at:    butlerw@marblehead.org
Last modified on: January 05, 2009