“DON WINSLOW UNDERCOVER DEPUTY” GOLDEN TORPEDO DECODER W/BOX & INSTRUCTIONS RARE PREMIUM.
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Winning Bid:
$575.00 (Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bids:
1
Bidding Ended:
Thursday, March 22, 2012 1:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Thursday, March 22, 2012 1:00:00 PM)
Time Left:
Ended
Auction:
Auction #205 - Part II
Item numbers 1427 through 3167 in auction 205
Value Code:
K - $1,000 to $2,000 Help Icon
Item Description
5” long torpedo decoder comes with original mailing box and 6x7”, 4-page instruction folder with “Undercover Deputy” certificate. Issued by Post Toasties in 1942 and one of the toughest premiums to find. The instruction sheet has Undercover Deputy certificate that includes facsimile Winslow signature. Certificate not signed. The two inside pages include instructions on using the premium with other naval information. The back includes lists of deputy duties. Original folded size is 3x3” with title on cover “Sealed Orders From Don Winslow For Undercover Deputies.” The paper sheet has a 1” fold split and small 1” triangular area of 3 creases at left and right sides when fully opened. Instruction sheet is Fine. Box is VF. The torpedo has cardboard body with paper label covering. Removable wood nose and metal fin. Body is marked “Don Winslow Undercover Deputy” and the movable nose includes alphabet and numbers. One side of the fin is dull while the other has bright luster and this is to be used as a “Heliograph” to flash secret messages. Due to storage conditions, the gold paint on the torpedo darkened substantially but retains a muted gold tone. Letters “A-Z” show on the wide end but the numbers 1-26 on the band around the wood end cap are just barely visible. The wood end cap does retain Mint gold paint. Fine. An ingenious and ultra-rare WWII premium. Values in the Hake Guide for torpedo and instructions total $750 in Good, $1950 in Fine and $3350 in NM. Elaborate design.
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