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PRESS RELEASES
USS McCook Press Release
NOV 2022 Historic Brass Bell From D-Day Ship is Featured Lot in November Auction. More than 500 items will be available for online bidding through Pacific Auctions, Burlington, Wash., November 7, 2022 – A large Quarterdeck brass ship’s bell inscribed “U.S.S. McCook 1943” is the top lot in a November auction hosted by Pacific Auctions out of Burlington, Wash. The auction’s “William’s Collection” also includes a total of 500 pieces including artwork, maritime collectibles, art glass, porcelain, sterling silver, bronze statues, and numerous other antiques and collectibles. Along with this collection, the auction will also feature a 1920s brass fire alarm transmitter and a Salvador Dali lithograph.
The ship’s bell is expected to generate a lot of attention. “We hope to appeal to collectors of Maritime/Militaria/WWII artifacts that would like to add a signature piece to their collections,” says Chad Shahan, co-founder of Pacific Auctions. “Since the bell is typically the most historic and symbolic part of the ship, we know there will be great interest in it.”
The U.S.S. McCook’s bell, which measures 16 inches, is from a Gleaves-class destroyer with a compelling history. U.S.S. McCook was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Commander Roderick S. McCook (1839–1886), who was an officer in the Union Navy during the American Civil War. The U.S.S. McCook was laid down on May 1, 1941 and launched on April 20, 1942, sponsored by Mrs. Reed Knox, granddaughter of Comdr. McCook.
Commissioned on March 15, 1943, U.S.S. McCook spent more than a year on numerous training and escort missions, then departed with Destroyer Squadron 18 and ships of Assault Force "O" for the coast of France. On June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, McCook successfully neutralized assigned targets and continued to operate in the Normandy area, days later participating in the historic Operation Anvil, providing gunfire support and screen protection for Allied forces. Ultimately, McCook earned three battle stars for World War II service.
The ship’s post-war duties included minesweeping and training exercises before she was decommissioned in 1955 and berthed in San Diego as part of a reserve fleet. There she stayed until she was sold in 1973 and dismantled for scrap and recycling by the Zidell Corporation in Portland, Ore.
McCook’s bell was purchased by a private collector who has proudly owned the piece for 50 years. “I was living in Portland at the time and had a friend that worked at the Zidell operation,” explains the bell’s current owner. “He knew that I collected brass marine items and called me to tell me that the warehouse had a large ship's bell that could be obtained if I was at all interested.
”The bell was coated in Cosmoline, a thick paint-like substance that was painted over exposed metal surfaces to protect them from saltwater erosion on naval ships. Because of this coating, the bell’s origin was not immediately known, especially given the numerous ship parts and artifacts that Zidell stored in its facility. That didn’t deter the collector, who hoped the bell could be restored.
And much to his delight, the bell’s owner discovered that normal paint solvent easily removed the coating revealing the name and commission date, U.S.S. McCook, 1943.
The ship’s bell and all items in the auction will be available for preview to registered bidders. To make a preview appointment, call 360-755-6952. To view items and to bid, visit https://www.pacificauctions.net
About Pacific Auctions The team at Pacific Auctions are licensed and bonded auctioneers in the state of Washington, proudly serving the community and surrounding counties for seven years. Pacific Auctions offers a full range of auction services; from estates to benefits, and the company is continually pursuing additional training in their industry to provide greater service to their clients. Pacific Auctions is a member of the National Auctioneers Association. To learn more, visit: PacificAuctions.net
Duck Decoy Collection Press Release
Coming Soon
FACEBOOK REVIEWS
Jane Ellis recommends Pacific Auctions & Appraisals. October 17 at 5:53 PM · Although I swear there is nothing more I need, each time I check in with Pacific Auctions I find something unique and special. Today I am wildly excited about my new vorpal sword (google it) and a magical lamp. Chad and Allison are delightful, the opening bid prices are reasonable, presentation and descriptions are accurate and the merchandise is eclectic. Whether you are interested in purchasing or simply window shopping I highly recommend this business. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Andrea Nicole recommends Pacific Auctions & Appraisals. October 9 at 10:16 AM · Very professional. Call to verify bidder. Website was easy to use and track items. Invoice was flexible with payment options. Pick up was well organized and in easy to access, central Skagit County location. Items were also true to description. I will be shopping again. Thank you
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GOOGLE REVIEWS
Dean Williams - 4 months ago Excellent auction, the packing was fantastic! The prices were great and the auction was run truly professionally! Thank you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Val Messier - 4 months agoEverything Chad said was true. The shipping was easy, the auction was very good. I will definitely do it again ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Renee VanBramer - 8 months agoI have purchased from two different auctions hosted by Pacific Auctions and Appraisals. The photos of the merchandise up for bid are incredibly good (as I can not view in person). Merchandise received did not disappoint - everything was exactly as I expected it to be. The whole process runs smoothly from Bid to Close to Receiving Items. I would not hesitate to use this Auction company. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sonia Nelson - 9 months agoAs a bidder who cannot always preview what I'd like to bid on, photographs of items for sale are everything. And their photos are amazing. Such good people - organized, friendly. So easy to do business with. Highly recommend!
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