VATERLAND: 1914 - Bas-relief souvenir made by interned crew 1917 from Braynard Collection

Hamburg American Line: A brass souvenir from the VATERLAND cast onboard before the ship was confiscated by the U.S. in April, 1917. The souvenir is from the collection of Frank Braynard, the man who literally wrote the book (six books actually) on the LEVIATHAN. He describes this item on page 384 of volume 6:  "Brass Bas-relief - made by VATERLAND crew while the ship was interned. 3 1/2 square, mounted in a wood frame and suitable for use as a paper weight. A raised central circle 2 1/2" diameter is patterned after port hole with top hinge and locking lug and bolt at the bottom. The center of the circle contains a bas-relief of the ship under full steam and viewed from port quarter. The top corners outside the frame contain the raised letters spelling VATERLAND and at the bottom is the date 1917."  The base measures 5 1/2" square. An 1" long segment of the wood frame missing. It appears deliberately removed, perhaps to reveal the strata of the brass. Excellent condition.