Ship AMERICAN MERCHANT Line Navy Cover 1936 PAQUEBOT Postcard SS AMERICAN TRADER

Description: Ship AMERICAN MERCHANT Line Naval Cover 1936 PAQUEBOT Postcard SS AMERICAN TRADERIt was sent 17 ___ 1936. It was franked with stamp "Franklin". It was sent to Madison, WI.This cover is in good, but not perfect condition. Please look at the scan and make your own judgement. International shipping is just $2. However, if order total exceeds $20, then eBay's standard shipping must be used which costs $15.Member USCS #10385 (I also earned the stamp collecting merit badge as a boy!). Please contact me if you have specific cover needs. I have thousands for sale, including; navals (USS, USNS, USCGC, Coast Guard, ship, Maritime), military posts, event, APO, hotel, postal history, memorabilia, etc. I also offer approvals service with FREE SHIPPING to repeat USA customers.A short History of the “American Merchant Lines”:In the autumn (fall) of 1923, the Shipping Board disposed of a good number of “United States Lines” vessels, including some being sold to the “Dollar Line”. To replace these, the Shipping Board acquired five transport ships from the “Army Transport Service” and they were reconditioned and when completed they were placed in the service of the “American Merchant Lines” (AML) under the management of “J. H. Winchester and Company”. Please Note: I have a Passenger List of the S.S. American Merchant dated August 23, 1928 sailing from New York to London further down the page. The official “American Merchant Lines” (AML) logo Introduction to the American Banker Class of Ships:These five ships became known as the “American Banker class of ships”, but as I mentioned above they commenced their days as simple “Hog Island” Army Troopships in 1920 and 1921. Five of these ships became the American Banker class ships, and no one would ever argue that these ships were beautiful or luxurious when they became a 12 passenger cargo liner, in fact they were far from being that, as they were the most humble of ships. Yet they proved to be excellent and reliable ships throughout their careers with AML, during a time they served with them during a time that became known as ‘between the wars’ years. However, in 1926 they certainly received an amazing makeover and became greatly improved ships, but I will cover that a little later in the “S.S. American Banker” Story. S.S. American Merchant The “American Merchant Lines” (AML) operated them on Trans-Atlantic services between New York, USA, and London, UK. Typically they decided to name each ship commencing with “American” and this was then followed by some well known merchant terms that included “Banker”, “Trader, “Farmer”, “Merchant” and “Shipper”. These ships would depart every Thursday from Pier 7, at North River New York, on the New York, London, New York service with accommodation for 12 passengers and cargo. Pier 7 was located suitably close to Pennsylvania Railroad and Grand Central Stations at the Foot of 18th Street. Whilst at the Royal Albert Docks in London, passengers would be met by busses as well as covered trucks to transport their baggage to the “Hearns Bus Station” at Gray’s Inn Road, London central. There the luggage would be sorted and collected by the passengers. And of course those sailing to New York had the same service in reverse to the ship. With the S.S. American Banker being the lead-in ship, and the only one of the five ships that had a long life, I will feature her story in full below, from her construction, through to her final days having had a number of owners and some six official names. S.S. American Banker is seen on her port side Provided by Jonathan Villiers (UK) who finds “these American ships so interesting” American Banker’s list of names:Launched in 1919 as the (1) USAT Cantigny. In 1924, she was renamed (2) “American Banker” and placed in service with “American Merchant Lines” (AML). Later names were; (3) “Ville d’ Anvers” (1940). (4) “City of Athens” (1946). (5) “Protea” (1947). (6) “Arosa Kulm” (1952). She was broken up in 1959. Here we see the first of the five, USAT Cantigny, which in 1924 be came the S.S. America Banker ************** S.S. American Banker Story:Construction of this ship commenced in 1919 by the “American International Shipbuilding Corporation” at Hog Island, Pennsylvania, USA. Hull 690 was one of hundreds typical Type “B” class ships built. For Interest the B Class ships were the forerunners of the well known C3 class and Victory ships built by the hundreds during and after WW2 many of which were later sold and converted into either very humble migrant ships or extensively rebuilt into fine passenger liners and cruise ships. Although she was laid down as the “Shohola”, but when she was launched on October 27, 1919 she was officially named “Cantigny”, and she was delivered to the US Army in August 1920. The USAT Cantigny had a tonnage of 7,463 GRT (Gross Registered Tons) and like all of her class; visually she had no sheer whatsoever, and had one slender upright funnel, two masts. She was powered by steam turbine engines that powered a single screw that saw her sail at a cruising speed of 15 knots (See Specifications at the bottom of the page for the full details. She operated as a traditional USAT - (United States Army Troopship) until 1924. With her trooper career over, she, and four of her identical sisters were transferred to the “American Merchant Line” (AML) in 1924 and the “Cantigny” was renamed “American Banker” and she was given a refit providing her with accommodation for 12 passengers in a somewhat modest One Class service. On April 24, 1924, S.S. American Banker departed on her maiden voyage from New York, sailing to London and return to New York. Although, the simple style of these ships, remarkably she and her sisters proved to be rather popular, as travellers enjoyed the idea of sailing in an intimate style of ship. A starboard view of the 12 passenger S.S. American Banker having just departed New York Thus after two years of operation AML decided that these five ships would be given a dramatic makeover. In 1926 the American Banker, as well as her sisters (over a short period of time) were all given a huge transformation, by a designer who was none other than a man who would become the world famous William Francis Gibbs, who would be the designer of the S.S. America (1939), and the super magnificent S.S. United States (1951). He created new public facilities, a Main Lounge and Smoking Room, and a full width Dining Room and accommodations for 80 passengers in an intimate all new more stylish Tourist Class configuration. Especially after their transformation, those who loved an ocean voyage and preferred a Trans-Atlantic crossing with a genuine nautical atmosphere, these five traditional American Banker class ships of the “American Merchant Lines” offered the perfect setting for a voyage to the UK or the USA during the 1920 and 1930’s. Below is her post 1926 Deck Plan. The deck plan below reveals the ships three passenger decks; Boat/Sports Deck was there were two guest Staterooms. Promenade Deck which contained a country club like Main Lounge and Smoking Room located on the starboard side, a Bar was added since America finally lifted prohibition. Also on Promenade Deck were the majority of accommodations, as well as a covered wrap around Promenade Deck. Then forward on A Deck was the location of the Dining Room, the Purser’s Office, Chief Steward, and the Surgeon’s Office. Deck Plan: Stateroom 1, 3 and 4 located forward on Promenade Deck had had private facilities with a washbasin, bath with an overhead shower, a WC. Whist Cabins 22, 23, and cabin 28 being the only inside cabin on board, had private facilities with a washbasin, a shower and a WC. During 1930, AML offered New York to London weekly services on their five popular AML ships for just US$100. Then in 1931 the American Banker and her four sisters were absorbed into the “United States Line” and on November 6, 1931, the American Banker commenced her first sailing from New York to both Plymouth and London for the company. She was followed by her sisters American Farmer, Trader and Merchant, whilst the American Shipper was placed on a new service, being New York to Hamburg, sailing via Plymouth and Le Havre, however, all these ships remained managed and operated under the “American Merchant Lines” name. American Banker Class Ships - Photo AlbumBoat Deck:Boat Deck offered a huge Sports Deck, ensuring there was ample of space for everyone on board to enjoy their favourite seagoing games, be it; deck tennis, shuffleboard, quoits, even golf, etc. And aft of the Captains quarters, there were two 2-Berth Staterooms with three portholes on two sides, with a wash basin in the room, and the other facilities being one deck down on Promenade Deck. As the photographs below have been sourced from brochures I have, they have obviously been in a folded state for many years, thus the fold markings, I have attempted to make rather poor images look as good as possible, but some are not as I like them, but they are the best available. However, they do provide a good idea of these ships after 1926 in and exteriors. Three views of these ships spacious Sports Decks looking forward Promenade Deck:Public Venues:These 80 passenger passenger-cargo liners (from 1926) offered a delightful Main Lounge and Smoking Room with a Bar designed by William Francis Gibbs, and they were located aft on Promenade Deck. The lounge also offered writing desks, and ample lounges and deep comfortable chairs make it the perfect place to spend time with fellow passengers, or just to read a good book. Above & below: The ships Lounge with its starboard side small Smoking Room On the fully covered walk around Promenade Deck there were ample Deck chairs and side tables perfect for relaxing and enjoying those ocean views, and enjoying a cup of morning bouillon and that afternoon cup of tea or coffee course, which can also be had in the Lounge of course. Here we see part of the delightful Main Foyer forward on Promenade Deck. The stairs go down to A Deck and the Dining Room, as well as the Pursers Office and the Surgery The Main Foyer had been carefully and beautifully furnished, featuring deep upholstered lounges that made it a favourite meeting place to plan the day’s program, be it of sports, cards or any of the other activities available. Passengers enjoyed sitting here and have some time chatting with fellow passengers. Staterooms:All except one stateroom were outside rooms that offered both light during the day and fresh air, as the portholes opened. There was one interior Stateroom, but all rooms had modern ventilating systems and electric fans installed ensuring ample of clean, fresh air. Three luxury Staterooms located forward on Promenade Deck, Numbers 1, 3 and 4 had a full bath room, with a bath, wash basin and a WC, whilst Outside Staterooms 22 and 23, and inside room 28 had Private facilities with a shower, wash basin and a WC. All other Staterooms had excellent high standard spotless bath and WC facilities available. As I stated earlier, Staterooms 29 and 30 were located up on Boat Deck and they had a wash basin in the room, and used the bath and WC facilities down on Promenade Deck. Two berth cabin with portholes and a door as it had a connecting room for families if required This Two Berth Cabin also had a fold away Sofa Bed for a third guest Here are some other options of staterooms on board A Deck: The Dining Room was located far forward on A Deck, this photo is looking aft The Dining Room, located far forward on A Deck had many port holes on both sides of the ship and forward, making it a bright room during the day. And the cuisine was prepared by the best American chefs featuring the best roasts and a wide range of dishes, and of course for breakfast Ham and eggs and all that is good to start a new day! Main Meal times are announced with a traditional bugle call, which meant that it was time to satisfy a ravenous sea-appetite. The ship was fitted with the finest modern refrigerating plants, assuring 100% fresh food throughout the voyage. Besides the excellent food on these intimate ships, guests were ensured of excellent service as Dining Room stewards always seemed to remember all those things their guests liked best and just how they liked them done! Above & below: S.S. American Banker farewell Dinner Menu, June 25, 1932

Price: 9.99 USD

Location: Weaverville, North Carolina

End Time: 2024-12-23T00:44:17.000Z

Shipping Cost: 1.5 USD