Color lithograph of the S.S United States mounted in center of ship's wheel. Wheel is dark wood with eight spokes painted gold. Two metal plaques attached to top and bottom of rim read: "To and From Europe" and "United States Line" respectively.



Wheel Dimensions: 23.25" in diameter

Spoke Dimensions: 32" in diameter



The SS United States was 990 feet long - about five city blocks and over 100 feet longer than the Titanic. Designed by William Francis Gibbs in 1950, it was essential the vessel was fireproof and that no wood be used in the construction or fittings. Another main purpose was that it could be easily converted into a troop ship with capacity for 15,000. More aluminum was used in the production to reduce the weight and make her the fastest ocean liner of all time at an astonishing 44 miles per hour! Five days before her maiden voyage in July 1952, the SS United States was opened to the public in New York. 70,000 people turned out to see the dazzling new ship that day, and the line to go aboard stretched for fourteen blocks. On nearly every voyage there was an impressive roster of famous passengers that included Coco Chanel, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, and John Kennedy. Not only was the ship the most luxurious, patriotic way to get from America to Europe, but it also functioned to keep our country safe. The SS United States was never used as a troop ship and retired from active transatlantic passenger service in 1969. The age of the great ocean liners had come to a close, doomed by increasingly fast and affordable airline flights.



Condition: Very Good condition - there is a small crack on inside of wheel, but the image is bright and the glass is clear. One of the wheel handles is in need of glue. More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report.