09/03/2026
New addition here: A pretty incredible piece of U.S. Military & Naval History
This is an original “Domain of Neptunus Rex” certificate from the USS Denver, dated November 27, 1925. It was presented during the Navy’s famous “Crossing the Line” ceremony, an old maritime tradition held when sailors crossed the Equator. Sailors making their first crossing went from being “Pollywogs” to becoming members of the “Ancient Order of the Deep” — Shellbacks.
What makes this particular certificate especially interesting is its connection to General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I and one of America’s most celebrated military leaders. Pershing was aboard the USS Denver during its 1925 South American voyage and participated in the Equator-crossing tradition, bearing Pershing’s personal signature.
🇺🇸 General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing (1860–1948)
General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing was one of the most important American military leaders of the early 20th century. A graduate of West Point, Pershing served on the American frontier, fought in the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War, and led the 1916 expedition into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa.
He is best remembered as commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, leading more than two million American troops sent to Europe. Pershing strongly believed American forces should fight as a unified U.S. Army rather than simply being absorbed into the armies of the European Allies.
After the war, Congress honored him with the rank of General of the Armies of the United States, one of the highest military distinctions in American history.
Known for his discipline, determination, and devotion to the soldiers under his command, “Black Jack” Pershing remains one of the legendary figures of the United States Army. 🇺🇸 (here’s an original picture of him on display in our bar from 1919).
So this wasn’t simply a decorative Navy certificate—it commemorated an actual 1925 voyage and naval tradition involving the USS Denver, while also carrying a direct connection to General of the Armies John J. Pershing.
Nearly 101 years later, it’s pretty amazing to see a piece of history like this survive. 🇺🇸⚓
