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Offered here is an original World War II U.S. Navy “Imperium Neptuni Regis” Shellback certificate, documenting a sailor’s traditional initiation after crossing the Equator.
The certificate was issued to Clifford Cunningham on July 13, 1944, aboard the USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134), a United States Navy troop transport commissioned during World War II. The document recognizes Cunningham as a “Trusty Shellback” and member of the Ancient Order of the Deep.
The handwritten vessel designation and hull number identify the ship as the USS General R. L. Howze. The lower portion bears the signature of the commanding officer, appearing to read Lee H. Baker. Also included is the original vintage cardboard storage/mailing tube addressed to Mrs. C. W. Cunningham, providing additional family provenance.
The certificate measures approximately 20 × 15 inches based on the photographs. It features colorful maritime artwork depicting King Neptune, mermaids, sea creatures and the Navy Department seal.
This is an authentic named and dated WWII naval document—not a modern reproduction. It would make an appealing addition to a WWII, U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, troop-transport or maritime-history collection.
Condition: The certificate shows expected wear from age and rolled storage, including toning, spotting/foxing, creasing, curling and edge wear. The original tube is heavily spotted and worn but remains an important part of the item’s history. Please use the photographs as the primary condition reference.
The certificate will remain loosely rolled and will be carefully protected for shipment. Nothing will be folded, flattened, laminated or restored.
You will receive the exact certificate and original tube shown in the photographs.
Condition Description
Original WWII-era Shellback certificate issued to Clifford Cunningham aboard the USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134) on July 13, 1944. The certificate remains colorful and legible but shows age-related toning, scattered spotting/foxing, creases, edge wear and curling from rolled storage. The original addressed cardboard tube is included and shows considerable staining, spotting, label wear and general age. Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition. No restoration, cleaning or repairs have been attempted.
