In 2019, Britannic Auctions sold a photo album documenting a 1940 voyage aboard the SS Manhattan ship for $136. This album offers historical insights into transatlantic travel aboard one of the United States Line's well-known ocean liners.
Details of the Photo Album
The album contains 31 black-and-white photographs from a 1940 voyage aboard the SS Manhattan ship. The photos feature various activities and scenes aboard the ship, including passengers relaxing on deck chairs, a lifeboat drill, and deck sports. Each photograph includes handwritten captions providing detailed information about the events and locations depicted.
Notable Captions and Locations:
- New York Arrival: The album concludes with the ship’s arrival at New York Harbor, featuring images of the Statue of Liberty, the New York City skyline, and the crew during disembarkation.
- Departure and Voyage: The journey started on October 2, 1940, from San Francisco, California, with stops in Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and Acapulco, Mexico, featuring views of the Fort of San Diego and Central America's coastline.
- Scenic Stops: Photographs include ocean views at sunrise near Havana, Cuba.
The History of the SS Manhattan
The SS Manhattan ship, launched in 1931, was a flagship of the United States Line. By 1940, the ship had already made headlines during World War II. In early 1940, British forces seized the Manhattan in Gibraltar, confiscating mail destined for Nazi Germany. Despite its release, the incident underscored the geopolitical tensions of the era. From January to June 1940, the Manhattan operated between New York and Genoa before Italy's entry into the war ended this service.
In June 1941, the Manhattan was requisitioned by the U.S. Navy and commissioned as the troopship USS Wakefield, marking its transition from a passenger liner to a wartime vessel.
Values of SS Manhattan Memorabilia at Auction
Artifacts from the SS Manhattan ship hold enduring appeal for collectors of ocean liner memorabilia. Items such as advertising materials, decorative objects, and ephemera frequently appear at auction, often fetching very good prices. Below are examples of past auction sales:
- 1932 Art Deco Advertising Book: Sold for $225 in 2019. This large-format book was issued by the United States Lines to promote luxury services aboard the SS Manhattan.
- 1933 Aerial Photograph: Depicting the SS Manhattan with the New York City skyline, this photograph sold for $223 in 2020 through Rhode Island Internet Consignment & Sales.
- Illustrated Airmail Cover: Postmarked August 10, 1932, from the SS Manhattan’s maiden voyage from New York to Queenstown, this item sold for $149 in 2015.
These examples illustrate the market’s demand for items associated with the Manhattan’s history, whether related to its voyages, promotional materials, or onboard artifacts. Collectors value such items for their connection to the golden age of ocean liners.
Get a Free Auction Estimate for a Vintage Ocean Liner Album
Do you own photographs, artifacts, or documents related to ocean liners like the SS Manhattan ship? At Britannic Auctions, we specialize in connecting collectors with unique historical items. We offer complimentary auction estimates to help you understand the value of your pieces. Submit an inquiry today and explore the benefits of consigning with us.
