1930s USS Tutuila Yangtze River Gunboat China Scene Rare Original Press Photo for Sale

On eBay Now...

1930s USS Tutuila Yangtze River Gunboat China Scene Rare Original Press Photo For Sale

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

1930s USS Tutuila Yangtze River Gunboat China Scene Rare Original Press Photo:
$36.00

An original press photograph from the archives of the venerable 150 year-old Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Type & Size: A 10x8" original photograph.
Condition: Photo from a working archive. May contain notes, marks, labels, clippings, and/or retouching by the staff at the time of publication. May contain issues associated with time, age, and use. Please see images for scans.

The photograph showcases the U.S. gunboat Tutuila on the Yangtze River, highlighting its presence in a calm water setting. Tutuila is an identifiable river gunboat, featuring two central smokestacks and additional naval architecture typical of the era. This image provides an authentic glimpse into the maritime activity of the U.S. Navy during the late 1930s.

The USS Tutuila was a patrol gunboat that operated on the Yangtze River in China, playing a part in U.S. military presence and international diplomacy during turbulent times in the region. The ship served during a period of instability, witnessing events like the Second Sino-Japanese War. Notably, this vessel and others like it helped protect American citizens and interests in Asia before World War II.

Text present on photo:
The U.S. gunboat TUTUILA on Yangtze
48 13/160
Back Side Blue Handwritten Text:
GUNBOAT
2 cm
[Tow additional illegible lines]
Back Side Blue Stamped Text:
JAN 31 5 20 PM 69
ENGRAVING.
Back Side Pink Stamped Text (within circle):
ORIGINAL ART
RETURNED
Back Side Clipping Text at the Bottom:
"The U.S. gunboat Tutuila on the Yangtze River in the late 1930s, when Francis Melchior was serving aboard as a gunner’s mate."

- - -
The press photo archives contained a mix of silver gelatin and wire photographs from sources such as Associated Press Wirephoto. Generally B&W images with no typed text on them in this archive are silver gelatin images, and photos with typed text are wire photos. All images are vintage and original to their era.