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HISTORIC 1958 CAPE COD COMMERCIAL FISHING MEMORABILIA**
This lot features two original mid-century photographs capturing a monumental catch at
the height of Provincetown's fishing legacy. Unlike anonymous vintage photos, the backs
of these prints feature clear handwritten context detailing the exact dates, names,
weights, and businesses involved.
**HISTORICAL PROVENANCE TRANSCRIBED FROM THE REVERSE:**
- Top Text: "Caption: Monument Dock fish handlers at Provincetown posed for this photo in celebration of Capt John M. Fields' catch of 160 bluefin tuna averaging over 700 pounds each, last Sunday. Wednesday morning they had another 104 to load on trucks. 1958"
- Bottom Text: "Max "Mickey" Finkel of Seafood Packers Inc, R.R. Wharf, Provincetown"
**HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & DEPICTIONS:**
1. Photograph 1 (Top): Shows two men posing alongside a massive, prized Atlantic Bluefin Tuna hoisted by its tail outside a wharf facility. The giant fish dwarfs the handlers, visually confirming the "over 700 pounds" notation.
2. Photograph 2 (bottom): A fascinating composite/multi-exposure print capturing a bustling crew of local Monument Dock handlers and fishermen posing on deck with equipment, smiling after navigating this historic maritime achievement.
**LOCATION & BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES:**
- **The Catch:** Capt. John M. Fields brought in a mind-boggling 160 giant bluefins, followed by another 104 fish days later. Averaging 700+ lbs, the primary haul alone yielded an astonishing 112,000+ pounds (56 tons) of fish.
- **Monument Dock / R.R. Wharf:** Landmark historical locations in Provincetown. Monument Dock (originally Sklaroff's Wharf) went on to become Fishermen's Wharf, while Railroad Wharf is known today as MacMillan Pier.
- **Key Names:** Explicitly credits legendary local skipper Capt. John M. Fields alongside Max "Mickey" Finkel representing Seafood Packers Inc., a cornerstone cold storage and distribution operator on the Cape during this golden era.
Perfect for framing, historical archives, coastal restaurant decor, or specialized nautical collections.
CONDITION: Vintage condition consistent with age (1958). Prints exhibit natural
toning, light edge wear, and handling marks. The bottom collage print features structural
creasing and minor localized emulsion loss/blemishing near the top center. Please inspect the high-resolution front and back scans
carefully to confirm physical condition before offerding.
