Lot 2373

1920 (circa), stampless naval cover from U.S.S. Reuben James to Springfield, Ohio, bearing a violet two-line U.S. Naval Forces, / European Waters handstamp at upper right, manuscript corner card "Leo Fraser / U.S.S. Reuben James" at upper left, some edge creasing, else fine-very fine.

U.S.S. Reuben James (DD-245) was a Clemson-class destroyer commissioned in 1920 and immediately assigned to U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters, where she performed post-war duties including patrol in the Adriatic and Mediterranean and assistance with refugee relief in the Near East. She was later immortalised in song after her sinking in 1941.