This is an extraordinary offering: a single, unmounted segment of original teak deck planking from the legendary battleship, the USS Arizona (BB-39). This artifact transcends the status of a mere relic; it is a tangible piece of American naval history, uniquely preserved and authenticated with an ironclad chain of title that secures its legal and historical value. The provenance of this specific plank is paramount. While most artifacts associated with the Arizona were retrieved following the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941—and are subject to complex legal and ethical questions regarding their status as war grave salvage—this plank was officially removed years earlier. It was taken from the vessel's main deck during a routine pre-war overhaul conducted at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard between 1937 and 1938. This critical difference is documented directly on the artifact itself. The plank bears its original, hand-painted inscription: "USS ARIZONA, From Deck, 1937," alongside the name and initials of the Chief Machinist's Mate to whom it was formally presented upon his retirement in 1938. This unique, original inscription serves as the definitive "smoking gun" of provenance, confirming that the item was legitimately separated from the ship as government property during its active, operational life, well before its sinking and designation as a war memorial. The artifact’s dimensions are 17.5 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches thick, representing a substantial and impressive piece of the battleship’s surface. The condition is excellent on the presentation face, displaying the aged patina and deep grain of the teak that withstood the elements for decades. The reverse side shows expected minor corrosion consistent with its origins. It remains unmounted and unrestored, preserving its historical integrity. The continuous line of custody further distinguishes this plank. It has remained within the family of the Chief Machinist's Mate who received it as a retirement honor in 1938, a fact supported by a notarized affidavit. This eliminates any doubt regarding its authenticity and legal standing, a critical factor for any serious collector of naval history. In essence, this artifact represents not the tragedy of the attack, but the proud, operational life of a U.S. Navy battleship and the tradition of honoring its retiring crew members. The scarcity of documented, Navy-sanctioned pre-war USS Arizona artifacts cannot be overstated; few exist, and none with this level of specific, inscribed provenance. Its story connects a collector directly to the decks walked by the crew who perished just a few years later. This single, inscribed plank stands as a one-of-a-kind historical treasure, supporting a conservative valuation in excess of $150,000, with a high potential for competition due to its rarity and flawless provenance.

17.5 inches long - 5 inches wide - 2 inches thick