Authentic Wood Bucket from SS Steel Traveler Ship, Sunk in WWII 1944 (Hit Mine)

Description: This authentic original bucket is from the SS Steel Traveler, a United States Merchant Marine cargo ship built in Kearney, NJ by Federal Shipbuilding Co in 1922. She tragically struck a mine and sunk in the Schelde River on December 18, 1944. Story of the sinking of the ship, courtesy of Isthmian Lines website: "On December 18th the vessel sailed in the 8 ship Convoy ATM-16 from Antwerp Belgium to Downs, England, with a cargo of 1,500 tons ballast, Savilion Huntington Chapman Master. The ships proceeded down the Schelde River in single column. At 5 PM, while steaming 6 knots, in mid-channel, 2 cable lengths east of buoy NF 14, the freighter struck a mine. The explosion occurred under the #3 hold on the starboard side. Immediately the ship broke in half, splitting between the #3 hatch and the fireroom. The ship began to flood and sink rapidly. Most of the 8 officers, 37 crewmen, 26 armed guards and 1 passenger escaped in 2 lifeboats and 2 rafts. Within minutes of the explosion, water had reached the bridge with both the bow and stern in the air. The French Destroyer LA COMBATTANTE rescued all survivors from the boats and rafts, landing them at Birkenhead. One officer and 1 merchant crew member died." This bucket is in remarkable surviving condition, with no structural damage, no repairs, and no replaced parts. It is very original and looks beautiful. The wood is heavily seasoned as is the rope wrapped around the wooden handle. A very unique piece on its own, but to know the exact ship it came from and the story behind that ship makes this a really unique piece of antique maritime ephemera. Ships free. Thanks for looking!

Price: 341.99 USD

Location: San Francisco, California

End Time: 2024-11-03T23:22:17.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD