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Coast & Geodetic Survey Photo Archive

USC&GS Matchless



USC&GS call sign:
George - Vice - Tare - Rush

ex-USS Matchless
ex-USC&GS Matchless
ex-USQMD Matchless


Matchless served the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the U. S. Navy and the U.S. Army



Civilian call sign (1920):
Love - Sail - Rush - Have
Patrol Vessel:

  • Built in 1859 at Key West, FL
  • Prior to the Civil War Matchless was used as a slaver
  • Acquired by the U.S. Army 5 June 1863 and placed in service as USQMD Matchless
  • During the Civil War, the Matchless was used to transport troops from Fort Myers, Florida to Useppa Island on Florida’s Gulf coast. After the war, the Army used the Matchless to ferry mail, supplies, and
    people between Key West and Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, Florida Keys
  • Transferred to the Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1885 and placed in service as USC&GS Matchless
  • Rebuilt in 1895
  • Transferred to the Navy 1 April 1917 and placed in service as USS Matchless
  • Struck from the Navy Register 1 April 1919 and returned to the Coast and Geodetic Survey
  • Sold in 1920 to George J. Reynolds of Walton, FL. She was the last sailing vessel to be owned and operated by the Coast and Geodetic Survey
  • Fate unknown.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 118 t.
  • Length 91'
  • Beam 25'
  • Draft 7' 7"
  • Propulsion: Sail.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Matchless 394k Under sail Robert Hurst
    Matchless 178k c. 1916
    Manteo, NC
    From the collection of Jack Dea Adams, Matchless crewmember 1916/1917    		 Grace Adams Gleason
    Matchless 196k c. 1917
    From the collection of Jack Dea Adams, Matchless crewmember 1916/1917
    Crew photo page
    View the Matchless
    DANFS history entry located on the Naval History and Heritage Command website
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    This page created by Joseph M. Radigan and maintained by David Wright
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