Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a fantastic piece of art and history. This is a PT Patrol Boat Squadron sign for Squadron 34. This was most likely painted for the crewmember’s quarters while on land when they were not operating. The sign is framed and measures approximately 13 ¼” x 13 ¾” and is in wonderful condition.

The image painted on the wood consists of a Wolf smoking a pipe wearing US Navy dress blues with a white dixie cup cap on while he rests on a torpedo. The artwork is in wonderful condition with minimal fading and loss present. The colors are still easily distinguishable and presents itself as a wonderful display item.

From what we can find the Squadron was activated in 1943 and we found the following information from an official document:

31 December- Pursuant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations letter dated 18 October 1943, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 34, to consist of 12 PTs, was placed in commission at the Navy Yard, New York, in command of Lt. A. H. Harris, USNR, and temporarily attached during fitting out period to Motor Torpedo Boat Commissioning Detail under the Chief of Naval Operations. The following boats are in commission to date: PT 498 accepted 21 December; PT 499 accepted 23 December; PT 500 accepted 27 December: PT 501 accepted 29 December; PT 502 accepted 31 December.

JANUARY

Completing and fitting out the squadron, short training runs, and training cruises to lielville Rhode Island, took place. PT 503 accepted 5 January; PT 504 accepted 11 January; PT 505 accepted 13 January; PT 506 accepted 15 January; PT 507 accepted 18 January; PT 508 accepted 21 January; PT 509 accepted 26 January. All boats of the squadron were accepted in accordance with Navy Regulations.”

We were able to find a website designation for Squadron 34, while the website is incomplete and still being “built”, there is quite a bit of information available. The link for the website can be found here.

A lovely display item ready for further research and display.