Naval History and Heritage Command

The Navy Department Library's book plate was designed in 1906 by Adolf C. Ruebsam, an engraver with the Navy's Hydrographic Office. The eagle symbolizes US sovereignty; the anchor represents the US Navy and hope; the frigate USS Constitution is a reference to naval victories; the shell represents the deep sea; and Neptune (Poseidon, god of the sea) and a nereid (one of 50 sea nymphs that were helpful to sailors) originate in ancient Greek mythology.