Shellback Certificate

Object NameCertificate, Membership

Historic Owner Robert N. Mary

Association USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)

DateJanuary 22, 1944

PeriodWorld War II

Mediumpaper, ink, metal, foil

ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts

Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Joseph A. Mary in honor of Robert N. Mary, Plankowner. 2018.21.01

Object number2018.21.01

DescriptionCertificate, Membership; Neptunus Rex certificate that commemorates Robert N. Mary crossing the equator, or crossing the line. The headline reads "Imperium Neptuni Regis" on a banner below which King Neptune is emerging from the waves with his white horses or hippocampi. Around him and the border are blonde mermaids and marine creatures swimming in green waters. There is a U.S. Navy circular gold foil label in the lower right corner.

The certificate reads "To all sailors wherever ye may be and to all Mermaids, Whales, Sea Serpents, // Porpoises, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters, and all other Living Things of the Sea, // Greeting: Know ye that on this 22nd day of Jan 1944 in Latitude 00000 and Longitude 179° 06’w // there appeared within Our Royal Domain the U.S.S. Intrepid bound south for the Equator // and for the Japanese Empire. // Be it remembered // That the said Vessel and Crew thereof have been inspected and passed on by Ourself and Our Royal Staff // And be it known By all ye Sailors, Marines, Land Lubbers, and others who may be honored by his presence that // Robert N. Mary // having been found worthy to be numbered as one of our Trusty Shellbacks he has been initiated into the // Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep // Be it further understood That by virtue of the power vested in me I do hereby command // all my subjects to show due honor and respect to him wherever he may be. // Disobey this order under penalty of Our Royal Displeasure. // Given under our hand and seal this Jan 22nd 1944. // Davey Jones // His Majesty's Scribe // Neptunus Rex // Ruler of the Raging Main". The bottom reads “Cop. 1929 by // M.A. Jones” and “E.R. Flint”.

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