*French Line (Compagnie Générale Transatlantique), c.1950s, Ocean Liner SS Liberté Cap Tally (Ruban de Bachi)*
A scarce and attractive cap tally (ruban de bachi) from the famous French Line ocean liner SS Liberté, embroidered with the ship’s name “LIBERTÉ” in bright gold thread.
The ribbon is embroidered at either end with distinctive maritime insignia. On one side appears the French Tricolour, while the opposite side displays the house flag of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT) – the well-known banner bearing the lettering “CIE GLE TRANSATLANTIQUE”, representing the company internationally known as the French Line.
The ribbon itself appears to be made from silk or satin and is a very pale blue or off-white shade, now faded with age and displaying areas of staining. These tallies were commonly worn around the base of a sailor-style cap (bachi) but were also widely produced as souvenir ribbons for passengers, particularly during themed evenings and celebrations aboard the great transatlantic liners of the 1950s.
Approx. Measurements – Length: 66 cm. Width: 3 cm.
Historrical Note:
The SS Liberté was one of the most famous liners operated by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (French Line) during the post-war golden age of Atlantic travel.
Originally launched in 1928 as the German liner SS Europa for Norddeutscher Lloyd, the ship became one of the fastest vessels on the Atlantic route and won the Blue Riband in 1930 for the fastest crossing.
After the Second World War she was seized as a war prize and allocated to France as part of reparations following the loss of the great liner Normandie. Renamed SS Liberté in 1946, the vessel underwent a major reconstruction before entering service for the French Line in 1950.
During the 1950s Liberté became one of the premier ships on the Le Havre–New York route, renowned for its elegant interiors, French cuisine and refined atmosphere. She remained in service until 1961, when she was retired to make way for the new flagship SS France.
Souvenirs such as cap tallies were popular keepsakes from these voyages and today remain collectible relics of the golden age of transatlantic ocean liners.
*Condition*
Good overall condition for its age. The ribbon shows fading and scattered staining, with some colour variation to the silk which makes the original shade difficult to determine (likely originally pale blue or white). Embroidery remains bright and well defined. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3123AE_5625236650
