FROM POLLIWOG TO SHELLBACK .....CROSSING THE EQUATOR

Bill Atherton's NEPTUNUS REX DIPLOMA and jolly rodger memento flag.....
King Neptune's swimming beauties like in Busby Berkley's musicals.......
Flappers or mermaids !!??.......
The flip side of the jolly Rodger. Gotta love the hand stitching....
From polliwogs to shellback back in 1926.......
King Neptune's police .......

Another interesting flea market find .while digging in an old suitcase packed with old Navy uniforms ,my attention was caught by a black piece of fabric.It happened to be an hand made jolly Rodger flag .Next to it was a parchment like king Neptune's diploma .I knew right away what it was : remnants of a classic Navy tradition held when crossing the equator.This example dates from 1939 . In the U.S. Navy, when a ship crosses the equator a time-honored ceremony takes place. This is a Navy tradition and an event no sailor ever forgets. With few exceptions, those who have been inducted into the "mysteries of the deep" by Neptunus Rex and his Royal court, count the experience as a highlight of their naval career. Members of Neptunus Rex's party usually include Davy Jones, Neptune's first assistant, Her Highness Amphitrite, the Royal Scribe, the Royal Doctor, the Royal Dentist, the Royal Baby, the Royal Navigator, the Royal Chaplain, the Royal Judge, Attorneys, Barbers and other names that suit the party.

Officially recognized by service record entries indicating date, time, latitude and longitude, the crossing of the equator involves elaborate preparation by the "shellbacks" (those who have crossed the equator before) to ensure the "pollywogs" (those who are about to cross the equator for the first time) are properly indoctrinated. All pollywogs, even the Commanding Officer if he has not crossed before, must participate.

A Golden Shellback is one who has crossed the equator at the 180th meridian.....