USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571)

[llafoe]

Does anyone know how many of the "N" devices were produced for the USS NAUTILUS when they were awarded the PUC for their first voyage under the North Pole?

[arclight]

Does anyone know how many of the "N" devices were produced for the USS NAUTILUS when they were awarded the PUC for their first voyage under the North Pole?

 

 

I really have no idea, but I seriously doubt that any manufacturer would have made only enough for the crew x2. Just not cost effective enough to profit. I have searched high and low for one, but to no avail. I can't even find a current production repro.

Good question!

Thanks,

G

[ItemCo16527]

No clue how many were produced, but I see copies pop up on eBay every once in a while.

[llafoe]

I picked up one that was owned and worn by CDR William Anderson. The seller stated that only 90 were produced... but I agree with you, would they really only produce 90? Do you know how many of the Globe devices they produced for the TRITON Circumnavigation? That might give us a clue.

[Josh B.]

I know it's an old thread, but I just saw it. I've seen two period originals in an extraordinarily-well documented family grouping up close. Upon inspection, its clear that the two "N" devices on each were probably not produced by the same firm/ person as there are obvious differences. I hardly believe so few were made (number of crew or crew X2), and I'd almost be willing to bet that if someone with access to the US Sub Base in Groton (the home port and current resting place of the Nautilus)were to check, they might still have some in stock.

 

I've also held an original Triton PUC w/ globe device, but I don't remember if that grouping had just the single example or it they also had two examples. It's been a long time since.

[jmar]

I know it's an old thread, but I just saw it. I've seen two period originals in an extraordinarily-well documented family grouping up close. Upon inspection, its clear that the two "N" devices on each were probably not produced by the same firm/ person as there are obvious differences. I hardly believe so few were made (number of crew or crew X2), and I'd almost be willing to bet that if someone with access to the US Sub Base in Groton (the home port and current resting place of the Nautilus)were to check, they might still have some in stock.

 

I've also held an original Triton PUC w/ globe device, but I don't remember if that grouping had just the single example or it they also had two examples. It's been a long time since.

 

Hi Josh,

 

I've had these 2 in my collection for about 20 years (give or take). Came out of a huge old collection. They were in a mixed lot of PUCs so I have no idea what era they are from. The Nautilus "N" has some oxidation visible and has 2 heavy wires from the back attaching it to the ribbon bar. The Trident Globe seems pretty nicely made and has two pointed prong tabs to attach it to its ribbon bar. Both are on unmarked clutchback mounts.

 

Thought I'd toss them into the thread for everyone to see. Probably repros, but a bit older and nicer ones for sure.

 

Best wishes!

 

Joe

 

[Jack's Son]

........Probably repros, but a bit older and nicer ones for sure.

Best wishes!

Joe

Joe,

Not so fast.......who know what a "real" one looks like ?? :think:

[Josh B.]

Pics sometime soon, after all of this weather craziness ends! Thanks for posting yours Joe!

[jmar]

Pics sometime soon, after all of this weather craziness ends! Thanks for posting yours Joe!

 

Josh,

 

I look forward to your pics!

 

Best wishes,

 

Joe <----bracing for Irene :pinch:

[Josh B.]

As promised, an undisputed original.

[Josh B.]

pic didnt attach- another try

[Josh B.]

another

[jmar]

Hi Josh,

 

This almost slipped by me, I appreciate you posting your pics. A great set, with even greater history behind them! :thumbsup:

 

Thank you!

 

Joe

[Josh B.]

Thanks Joe! Considering that this was the FIRST naval PUC to have ever been issued in peacetime, its kind of a special item. These guys were treated with a heroes welcome when the came back into port in New York City. The voyage was written up in National Geographic and the trip where this was earned was a huge advance in the cold war; it showed we could go great distances undetected and bring nuclear firepower across the globe. It must be remembered that the US was hurting as we lost the race to be first in space against Russia (Sputnik), but we soon answered with the first nuclear powered boat that could traverse the North Pole region without surfacing. A few years later we upped the ante again with the USS Triton's submerged circumnavigation of the globe proving once again we could be where ever we wanted to be without having to come up for air.

[sigsaye]

Just to add to the confussion, they were still selling these devices in the exchange when I was in the Navy ("73-'99). From 1982-1983, I had a Captain who had been a Seaman during this cruise of the Nautilus. So, they were available for those who were still around to replace as they wore out and became unservicable.

 

Steve Hesson

[Brig]

Bumping this old thread. I recently picked this up in a lot of assorted ribbons from WWII-Vietnam, maybe a few from a bit after. Definitely an older issue PUC...can anyone narrow down an era based on backmarks, guessing 60s-80s? Device seems to have consistent characteristics and wear with the 'V' devices of the era. What do you guys think? I think it's a good one, not initial presentation but as discussed above these were obviously still sold at the PX for years for those of the crew who stayed Navy.

 

Have no real interest in submarine stuff, but I do have an interest in military polar related items...so kind of a neat little pickup.