Gavel, Relic, Wood, USS California, World War II Battleship, Vintage, 1960

USS California Relic Wood Gavel
American: 1960
Relic wood with brass label
9 x 3.25 inches, overall
Provenance: Jesse B. Oldendorf
$2,400

Relic gavel made in 1960 from wood salvaged from the deck of the USS California, a battleship that is best known for its service during World War II. The ship was hit during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The crew suffered heavy casualties and four were awarded the Medal of Honor due to their actions during the attack. The ship sank due to damage to its pump system, but was raised the following year, repaired, and returned to service in January 1944 where it supported operations in the Pacific theater during the remainder of the war. The USS California was originally built in 1921 and decommissioned in 1947; it was scrapped in 1960. The gavel was originally presented to Admiral Jesse Barrett Oldendorf (1887-1974), who had served on the USS California after graduating from the US Naval Academy. He went on to distinguished service in the Navy during World War II in various commander roles.

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