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S.S. United States Aluminum Grand Stairway Hand Rails

About the Item

These aluminum handrails which once graced the center of the grand staircase of the S S United States exemplifies the sophisticated sleek aesthetic of Mid-Century American design. When launched in July 1952 the S S United States was the culmination of years planning and design. On the heels of WW II, the U S Government saw the need to have modern ships that could be easily converted to troop transport ships in wartime constructed with safety and speed as the top priorities. They worked in partnership with the United States Line and underwrote a great deal of the liner's finished cost of 72 million as well as the future operating and maintenance cost of this proud symbol of her country and her age. The designer of the ship William Francis Gibbs had to incorporate the requirements of the government into his designs for the great liner. From her knife-edge bow across the superstructure and a pair of massive blue white and red raked funnels to the perfect arc of her stern, she sat proudly in the water and conveyed a sense of movement and speed even when still. His design incorporated a "secret" hull, numerous bulkheads which limited the grand open spaces of most liners of the time, no flammable material used in construction and fitting out other than the Steinway grand piano and judicious use of materials which would at the same time make her both strong and light. The decoration of interiors and appointments was placed in the capable hands of Dorothy Marckwald and Anne Uruquart, the only firm of women ship decorators in the world in the early 1950's. The interiors were a departure from the prevalent taste of elegance and grand spaces and were, in fact, rather understated, fresh and comfortable in a very current fashion. The fire retardant requirement greatly influenced the ultimate look Her maiden eastbound voyage from New York gained her the Blue Riband with an astounding average speed of 35.59 knots. The Riband had been held since 1938 by the Queen Mary for 31.49 knots. When records were declassified in 1968 is was disclosed that in sea trials the United States made 43 knots! Acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic, she was a fitting symbol of pride and prosperity of our nation as a world leader in the Mid-Century. She was favored by Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope, Jane Wyman, Rex Harrison and Marilyn Monroe, world leaders including four US Presidents and the Queen of Greece as well as socialites such as The Duke and Duchess of Windsor who booked passage on her for at least two crossings a year. In 1969 during a scheduled cleaning and refurbishing she was abruptly pulled from duty and remained in port in Norfolk Va. After several failed attempts to re-purpose her by investors, her fittings were sold at auction in October 1984. These handrails were purchased at that auction and have been in storage since. One still bears the auction label. (Image 7). The handrails are in the same condition as the day they were removed from the ship. We have period photos of the staircase which show them in place but cannot post it due to copyrights but you can view them by doing a google search of the grand staircase of the ss united states This is a rare opportunity for someone to appreciate these singular pieces of brilliant place in time, a time that is currently very much appreciated and desired. We also have two sliding glass mirrored door purchased at the same auction. We are offering four sections of railing. This listing comes with a fully illustrated book on the ship and its passengers, designers and many period photos. The are all 5.75 in height and 2 inches wide. Two sections are 125" long, one is 111" long and one is 100" long. We will be providing better photographs in the near future. Condition Disclosure: While we do our best to carefully inspect and give a full report on the condition of any item we sell, pointing out any repairs or alterations that may have been done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item, there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there may have been damaged which has been professionally repaired and as such a repair undetectable, it is therefore impossible for us to disclose... we recommend that you also read and agree to the 1st dibs user agreement, particularly sections 9,13,15,18,19 and 27

Dimensions:

Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 125 in (317.5 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 4

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Aluminum

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1950-1959

Date of Manufacture:

1952

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Recently cleaned and polished but remaining in original condtion.

Seller Location:

Hudson, NY

Reference Number:

1stDibs: 14071081131145

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