USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) Crew Portrait with Catapult Floatplane (circa 1938-1944)
Authenticity
USS PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) CREW PORTRAIT WITH CATAPULT FLOATPLANE (CIRCA 1938-1944): IDENTIFICATION
Black and white gelatin silver group portrait measuring approximately 8x10 inches, depicting United States Navy enlisted personnel in dress whites and dungarees assembled on deck before a catapult-mounted observation biplane.
COLLECTOR NOTES
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) was in Drydock Number 1 at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard during the December 7, 1941 attack.
SCARCITY
Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.
Typical Characteristics
- Standard antique shop items
- Regularly available
- Moderate collector interest
Confidence Factors
- Uniform variants and lattice catapult rigging correspond to documented US Navy battleship configurations from 1938 to 1944.
PHOTO HISTORIAN'S TAKE
Photography Historian & Print Specialist
High visual clarity reveals period-accurate aircraft architecture, uniforms, and photographic paper behavior characteristic of wartime US Navy photographic production.
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
Graded Very Good due to clear image resolution and intact emulsion, offset by paper curling and border wear visible without frame backing.
Condition
Emulsion exhibits minor edge curling, light silvering in dark shadows near the lower perimeter, and small handling stresses along the white border.
PHOTOGRAPHY MARKET VALUE
Updated: Oct 24, 2026
- Market comparables from auctions & retail
- Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
- Current collector demand & trends
- Low = quick sale, high = patient seller
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN
How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.
What Aligned
- User note referencing USS Pennsylvania aligns with the battleship catapult turntable and scout observation biplane configuration visible in the background.
What Conflicted
- User stated condition as Mint, whereas visual evidence indicates border curl, edge oxidation, and minor handling wear.
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