I dont know the answer to the value. But you could get in touch with I think its 5 US WW2 destroyers that are museums here in the states around the country? And see what they say about them.   The surviving U.S. destroyers and their exact locations include: USS Kidd (DD-661): Located at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is the only surviving U.S. destroyer maintained in its authentic World War II configuration. USS The Sullivans (DD-537): Located at the Buffalo Naval Park in Buffalo, New York. USS Cassin Young (DD-793): Berthed near the USS Constitution at the Boston National Historical Park in Massachusetts. USS Laffey (DD-724): Docked at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Known as "The Ship That Would Not Die," she is the most highly decorated surviving World War II destroyer. USS Orleck (DD-886): Docked on the St. Johns River as a museum ship for the Jacksonville Naval Museum in Florida. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Can carbon dating be used on something like this? Or is that just for fossils? lol

What a find! I mean...really that is one of the most interesting estate-sale pickups I've ever heard of. 

Those are some amazing pictures! Especially the one where the ship is sideways in the middle of the ocea. A frightful view that you'd have if you were on the ship! Really terrific images! Creepy too.

When you said "device" I thought you meant a weapon or tool. 

I had no idea that channel existed. They are enthusiasts to say the least! 

Thanks for that info. Have you ever seen a picture of the back that would show the engraving or citation?    Thanks!

Hi everyone,   There is a new American Civil War film releasing this summer that is about Generals Earl Van Dorn and Nathan Bedford Forrest. The movie also has Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Hicks (Red) Jackson. Stars include D.B. Sweeney, Joe Lando, Lee Wilson, David Meadows, Ellie Patrikios, John James, Alan Dysert, Jay Demarcus, and Andrew Reid and It's called, The Legend of Van Dorn. You can sign up here to be notified when the film releases to major streaming platforms. If interested, here is an interview (and an interesting read) about the movie: Producer Brad Wilson discusses "The Legend of Van Dorn."   According to IMDB, the movie's description is as follows: A brilliant but disgraced Civil War general is sent to Tennessee. As his tactics win battles, an affair with a married woman threatens to unravel everything-especially when her husband is offered a fortune to end the general's life.   It was directed by Emmy-winning Shane Stanley, who produced Gridiron Gang starring "The Rock" (Dwayne Johnson) among others. The Legend of Van Dorn is supposed to release to major streaming platforms this summer of 2026 and you can see the Van Dorn trailer here. Earl Van Dorn and Nathan Bedford Forrest may be the two most interesting men of the War Between The States and so I know there are a lot of us are looking forward to this movie finally releasing. Seems like I have been hearing about it forever.  

Thank you Sir. It was a good deal too!