Leader of the US Navy during W.W.II. Historic Surrender Document Signed, two pages, 8” x 10”, separate sheets. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender was a 2 page written agreement that established the armistice ending the Pacific War and with it ending World War II. It was signed by representatives from the Empire of Japan, the United States of America and its allies. The original Japanese surrender document was 2 pages, all signatures were on page 2. Offered here is a photostatic copy of both pages of the Surrender Document , signed by by Nimitz on page 2. The first page Headed “Instrument of Surrender.” Second page beginning “Signed at Tokyo Bay, Japan at 09 04 on the Second day of September, 1945...” signed by Admiral of the Fleet Chester W. Nimitz in red ink: “Signature / Sheet of Japanese / Surrender terms / CW Nimitz.” Nimitz had originally repeated the word “Signature,” then erased it, replacing it with “Surrender.”
Accepting the surrender “at 0908” in a ceremony aboard the U.S.S. “Missouri” in Tokyo Bay was representatives of the United States Adm. Nimitz and Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and Chief the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Yoshijiro Umezu surrendered “By Command and in behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese Government” and “By Command and in behalf of the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters” respectively. The signatures of MacArthur, Shigemitsu, and Umezu, and representatives of the United States (Nimitz), China, United Kingdom, U.S.S.R., Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, and New Zealand are depicted on the photograph.
Signed in ink “CW Nimitz” . On September 2, the Japanese government signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which officially ended World War II. On September 2, the Japanese Instrument of Surrender officially ended World War II. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13224
Theodore ""Dutch"" Van Kirk, navigator and Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb at Hiroshima. Two autograph letters signed. The first handwritten letter is 7"" x 10 1/2"" dated October 18, 1979 on T. J. Van Kirk stationary written in response to a fan. Signed, ""Theodore Van Kirk. Navigator, Enola Gay"". The second letter is 8 1/2"" x 11"" on Executive Jet Aviation Inc. stationary dated September 5, 1973. This letter was written in response to a piece of fan mail. Original letter with envelope from the fan to Tibbets is included. Signed, ""Paul Tibbets"". Both letters are in excellent condition with minor folds.
Inventory Number: 13186
George Caron, tail gunner and Jacob Beser, crew member of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb at Hiroshima. Two 8 1/2" x 10" signed photos. First, a color photo of the Enola Gay signed, "George Caron, Hiroshima, 8/6/45". The second is a black and white glossy photo of Beser standing in front of the Enola Gay, signed, "Jacob Beser". Both photos are in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13185
Enola Gay crew collection of signatres. Paul Tibbets - Pilot, Bob Lewis - Co-pilot, Thomas Ferebee - bombardier, and Jacob Beser - crewmember of the historic "Enola Gay" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 9, 1945. The first is on a green 3" x 6" card with the title Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets, Jr. typed and signed, "Paul W. Tibbets, Jr." in blue below title. Second is on a 1 1/2" x 3" tan card inscribed in black ink, "2 signed photos, Sorry, Bob Lewis". Third is an official white USAF white business card with the Air Force logo on top with the title Major Thomas Ferebee, Hiroshima, August 6, 1945 signed, "Thomas W. Ferebee" in black ink. Lastly is another official white USAF business card with the Air Force logo on top titled Jacob Beser, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, August, 1945 and signed in black ink, "Jacob Beser". All signatures are in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13184
Pilot of the historic "Enola Gay" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 9, 1945. Color glossy 10" x 8" photo of the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima, signed in blue felt tip, “Paul Tibbets, Pilot, Enola Gay, Hiroshima, 8/6/45.” In excellent condition, with stray ink mark near bottom.
Inventory Number: 13148
Tibbets the Pilot and Caron the tail gunner of the historic "Enola Gay" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 9, 1945. 7 1/2" x 10" black and white photo of the atomic bomb explosion at Hiroshima. Signed by both "Paul W. Tibbets - Pilot -Enola Gay 8/6/45" and "George R. Caron Hiroshima 8/6/45". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13047
Crew of the historic ""Enola Gay"" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 9, 1945. Hardcover first edition Mid Coast Marketing 1998 ""Return of the Enola Gay"" book signed on the presentation page. Signed ""Paul Tibbets"", ""Tom Ferebee"" and ""Dutch Van Kirk"". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13045
Pilot of the historic ""Enola Gay"" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 9, 1945. 8 1/2"" x 11"" copy of the order from Thomas Handy to General Carl Spaatz on official War Department letterhead. Dated July 25, 1945, General Spaatz directs, ""The 509 Composite Group, 20th Air Force will deliver its first special bomb...after about 3 August 1945 on one of the targets: Hiroshima, Kokura, Nilgata and Nagasaki..."" Signed, ""Paul W. Tibbets - Pilot Enola Gay 6 Aug 45"". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13044
Pilot of the historic ""Enola Gay"" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 9, 1945. 8 1/2 "" x 11"" copy of the ""Escape Maneuver for Atomic Mission"". The diagram includes drawings of different plane routes, as well as the headline, ""Primary Target Hiroshima, Japan"". Also signed by Jacob Beser, the radar specialist aboard the Enola Gay. Signed, ""Paul W. Tibbets 3-12-90"" and ""Jacob Beser 7/22/90"". A minor ink smudge on the right lower half of the paper not affecting diagram or signatures. Otherwise, in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13043
The Chicago Sun Original Newspaper dated Friday, August 3, 1945 just 3 days before the bombing of Hiroshima. 28 pages recto verso. Front page stories include, ""116 Jap Ships Halsey Toll For One Day"", ""King George And Truman Hold Meeting"", ""Germany To Be Farm Nation"". Front page also includes a large map of Europe illustrating the division of Germany to Poland and the Soviet Union. The paper has some age spotting and slight wear to edges, otherwise in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12971
Navigator on the "Enola Gay", the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945. The check is dated April 21, 1970 on a Covina Branch Bank of America Check. The check is made out to Thomas Van Kirk for the amount of $400.00. Signed "Theodore Van Kirk" in blue ink. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 12964
U.S. General. During World War II, MacArthur commanded the U.S. forces in the Far East. In August, 1945, MacArthur and Nimitz received the surrender of the Japanese. Vintage 13" x 10" Signed photo of MacArthur aboard the USS Missouri, as he makes history in Tokyo Bay, on September 2, 1945, at the signing ceremony that officially ended WWII, the Japanese surrender agreement. MacArthur is seated and signing the Japanese surrender document, around him are all the Allied military dignitaries. Signed on the photographer's mat, in fountain pen. In very good condition. Unexamined outside of frame. This is an excellent photo that captures a crucial moment in history. MacArthur signed photos of the Japanese Surrender are very scarce. This is only the second one we have had in 15 years. The only other one we had sold for nearly $3000.
Inventory Number: 12862
World War Two Japanese Army Officer's Sword. This Shin-gunto katana of 39 inches overall length has a blade signed "Hisa Michi" and is dated Showa 18 (1943). The blade has areas of stains and pitting and has been cleaned. The brown painted scabbard shows some wear and the handle wrap is soiled. The menuki and other fittings with flower design are all present. An evocative artifact of the Pacific Theater with obvious signs of extensive war use, otherwise in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12790
Theodore Van Kirk, Navigator of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Handwritten diary on the atomic air strikes on Hiroshima, 16 pages including handwritten drawings. Titled: "First Atomic Air Strike on Hiroshima 6, August 1945 -By Dutch Van Kirk- Navigator Enola Gay" Van Kirk writes in his hand:
"...the first Atomic Air Strike Mission, Col. Paul Tibbets, C.O. of the 509 Comp Group, was in charge of the planning and execution of the mission. Tibbets who was an outstanding pilot naturally decided to be the pilot and he selected me as Navigator and Tom Ferebee as the navigator Bombardier. The three of us had done many bombing missions together.... Our plane was a B-29 bomber which we named the Enola Gay. It was stripped of most guns for this mission in order to increase speed and altitude essential for getting away from the bomb. We took off from North Field Tinian air base into a warm tropical night.
[ Van Kirk adds here a simple drawing of the 2 leg flight plan. From Tinian- to Iwo Jima and to Hiroshima back to Tinian]
Page 5: "Our Atomic Bomb was named Little Boy. The Atomic bomb was armed in flight by Capt. (USN) Parson... So we men were now flying with an armed Atomic bomb just a few feet away. It was a gun barrel design U-235 bomb. Basically, the idea was: A Projectile Uranium 235 would hit a target U235 and create Critical mass, a nuclear explosion would result. The bomb was never tested before our mission. Our Atomic Bomb was about 28 inch diameter,120 inch long , 9400 pounds weight, And would equal 20,000 tons of TNT.
[ Van Kirk makes a schematic Drawing of the Little Boy Bomb with handwritten labels for its components "electric detonator", "gun barrel", "one of the rear antennas", "gunpowder", "U-235 projectile", "U-235 target for projectile"]
Page 7".. Tibbets said over the interphone: "Its Hiroshima" which was our primary target, . If weather had not been good we would have gone to our secondary target Kikina. Hiroshima had: Population 350,000. About 100 military targets worth bombing. ...Above Hiroshima we easily spotted the distinctive T-shaped Aioi Bridge, our aiming point.
[ Van Kirk draws a map of Hiroshima with the exact target labeled "Aiming point Aioi Bridge" and also labels 7 surrounding military targets near the bridge area]
page 9: "The bomb fell away from the aircraft at 0915:17 Tinian time. It took 43 seconds from the time the bomb left the plane until it exploded about 1110 above the aiming point. I watched every second pass. Our plane had to be 9 miles from the explosion to prevent destruction. The explosion happened 1980 ft. above the ground, in mid air to get maximum blast effect. The radius of total destruction was about 1.6 km (1 mile), with resulting fires across 11.4 km² (4.4 square miles) In all the excitement of the moment I forgot to put on my dark goggles.
Page 10: "...The first thing we saw was a large multi-colored cloud. I could see from my small window: The cloud was boiling up, mushrooming. It was amazing and evidence a tremendous amount of energy had been released. We could make no visual observation of the city but the damage was obviously horrendous. We needed a major shock to get the Japanese to accept surrender. The bomb hit on target only 400 ft from the Aioi Bridge in Hiroshima. We were going away from the bomb as fast as possible. At the time of the explosion; all we saw inside the plane was a flash of bright light.
[ Van Kirk draws a 2 page picture of the Atomic mushroom cloud, the airplane position and the bomb in mid air, adds some info on plane altitude, size of the mushroom and signs Theodore Van Kirk, Navigator Enola Gay, Hiroshima 6 Aug. 1945]
Page 13: "When the bomb left the plane we immediately went into a sharp right 150 degree turn and advanced the throttle. This was to get away from the bomb explosion and the resulting shock waves. Afterwards the first shock wave hit the plane, and shortly afterwards a second unexpected shock wave. It felt like an extremely close flak burst but it turned out to be a visible shock wave measured at about 2.5 to 3 G'. The plane was OK after the shock waves so we turned to observe the damage to Hiroshima. We could make no visual observation because the city was covered by black smoke and debris from the fires and the blast. But we had to get out of there and fast. "
Page 14: [Van Kirk adds a complex drawing of the Enola Gay's escape plan from the explosion. He marks the bomb away spot, draws the 1st and 2nd bomb shock waves. He draws the position of the plane and its escape route and also adds handwritten notations at the bombing time: Altitude- 30,060 ft, True Air Speed- 275 mph, Bomb Detonation- 43 seconds after drop, Bank of Turn- 60+ degrees]
Page 15: "The entire city of Hiroshima covered with smoke and debris and the mushroom of white cloud was still growing. Our mission was a complete success. Given the destruction of Hiroshima we had witnessed, we expected the Japanese to immediately sue for peace. We could still see the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima for an hour and a half as we flew back to Tinian. Japan was a defeated nation long before we dropped the bomb, but refused to surrender. The number of killed and missing was around 80,000. Unfortunately in modern warfare you cannot separate civilian and military targets and there were about 100 of military targets in Hiroshima. There is no morality in war of any type and in modern war. Innocents as well as military get killed. I feel that President Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb was justified as it ended the war with minimum loss of life of both Japanese and Allied. Dutch Van Kirk, Navigator
Enola Gay Hiroshima 6 Aug. 1945"
There is a lot more, as the manuscript describes in great detail all the events of the Hiroshima mission in 16 handwritten pages. Even though the diary is dated on the day the bomb was dropped in several places, we do not believe that this diary was maintained during the mission. This is the only diary by Van Kirk that has ever come to the market. It is a manuscript of great historic value, by an integral member of the Enola Gay's crew. In comparison, the only other diary from a Enola Gay member, was one by the copilot Lewis. Lewis' handwritten diary had only 11 pages. And sold for $350,000 in 2002 at Christie's. Ours has 16 pages and amazing drawings that add a lot the handwritten text. An exceptional piece in excellent condition. A Morris Jeppson diary sold at our last auction for $20,000.
Inventory Number: 12773
Morris Jeppson, Weapons Officer of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, he was the last person to touch the bomb when he armed it on the plane. 11" x 8 1/2" black and white photo of Hiroshima after the devastation of the atomic bomb. Inscribed with a historical justification note by Enola Gay Weapons Officer Morris Jeppson: "As a result of the war, noncombatants were dying throughout Asia at a rate of about 20,000 a month. The atomic bombs hastened the end of WWII in Asia liberating millions in occupied areas, including thousands of Western citizens. Morris Jeppson -Weapon Test Officer -Enola Gay Mission- Hiroshima 6 Aug. 1945". Excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 12752
Pearl Harbor got America into World War II, 'The Day That Will Live in Infamy'. "Youngstown Vindicator" Newspaper of Youngstown Ohio, December 8, 1941, 17" x 23", complete in 30 pages. Stacked headline declares, "Bombs Batter Manila / 1,500 Killed, 2 Ships Sunk at Hawaii / War Declared by U. S." Illustrated with 2 photos of U. S. Battleships and a map of the Pacific theater of war. Secondary headlines include "Raiders Fire Gasoline Dumb Terrific Damage Reported at Philippine Capital; 1,500 Din in Hawaii", "U. S. Fleet Will Press Blockade", U. S. Battleships Reported Damaged, Sunk", and "Congress Acts Against Japan Senate Ballots 82-0, House 388 to 1 After President Makes Personal Request". Interior page shows photos of American jeeps, planes, and military installments. Some light foxing, and a few very small tears at the fold. In very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12718
Enola Gay Weapons Officer Morris Jeppson writes 2 page autograph letter signed about his experiences during the Hiroshima mission. He writes in blue ink in his hand:
"Dear Sir: It was a lifetime ago, but I will try to answer your questions.
Q1: What was my specific assignment on the flight to Hiroshima?
This flight was similar to several flights earlier in 1945 in the U.S. to test the electronic fuzing system of big bombs being developed at Los Alamos. The fuzing system was experimental. My job on the flight to Hiroshima was to test electrical elements of the bomb at intervals to confirm that the fuzing-detonation system was functioning properly and to report to Captain Persons, mission commander, if there were problems. My first act was to switch electrical plugs in the bomb itself from a testing mode to firing mode - thus arming the bomb.
Q2-A The plane after bomb release was about 30,000 feet above ground and Colonel Tibbets, the pilot, was turning sharply away from the target. Detonating at a distance of about 8 miles from the Enola Gay, the flash caused no effects. However, about a minute later a shock wave passed by jolting the airplane, and a few seconds later a smaller shock wave struck. But no damage to the Enola Gay.
Q3: What did you see when the explosion happened?
I did not see the explosion directly, because I did not have a window close by, and the plane was turning. After moving to Van Kirk's navigator's window, I could see the cloud of smoke and fire surging outward from what was Hiroshima, and a huge white cloud rising rapidly.
Q4: How do you fell about casualties? How did you feel then?
The same today as then. I was relieved that the fuzing system had worked as designed and the bomb had worked. But it was deeply sad to realize the terrible destruction happening below on the ground. . . the destruction of war. There was also hope that this would serve to end WWII quickly and would prevent ongoing tragedies.
Q5 Could you see Hiroshima below the plane?
The city, Hiroshima, was obscured by cloud and smoke as the Enola Gay moves away to avoid the rising "mushroom" cloud."
He signs, "Sincerely reported, Morris Jeppson."
A truly historic letter revealing the exact events as they happened during the first atomic bomb mission AND OFFERING JUSTIFICATION FOR DROPPING THE BOMB ON HIROSHIMA. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 12597
Theodore Van Kirk, Navigator of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. 11"" x 8 1/2"" black and white photo of Hiroshima after the devastation of the atomic bomb. The image shows a city totally destroyed, all that stands are a few broken walls surrounded by rubble. Van Kirk writes on the photo in black ink ""Our Atomic Bomb was dropped at 0915 hours. 43 seconds later 60% of Hiroshima was destroyed. The number of killed and missing was 80,000. Unfortunately in modern warfare you cannot separate civilian and military targets - Theodore J 'Dutch' Van Kirk - Navigator Enola Gay "". An impressive image and an amazing inscription as we rarely see any reference to the casualties of the Atomic bomb by the crew members.
Inventory Number: 12563
Theodore J. Van Kirk, Navigator of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan. Original Newspaper ""PM Daily"" dated August 14, 1945. 11 1/2"" x 14"", 20 pages. Huge Headline reads, ""Atomic Bomb May End Stalling..."" . Van Kirk signs in pencil ""Theodore J ""Dutch"" Van Kirk - Navigator - Enola gay - Hiroshima- 6 Aug 1945"" On August 6th the first atomic bomb was dropped, 3 days later, on August 9th, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. This paper suggests a third atomic bomb, ""A third strike with an atomic bomb is definitely in prospect unless Emperor Hirohito and Prime Minister Suzuki abandon their 'stalling' tactics and act quickly."" As this paper states, other atomic bombs were being prepared, however the day after this paper was printed, Hirohito surrendered and the war was over. In very good condition
Inventory Number: 12470
The B-29 "Enola Gay" with Colonel Paul Tibbets in command, dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. Here is a "Enola Gay" B-29 Flying Fortress Model Airplane Signed by Paul Tibbets on the wing. Needs assembly, still in original box. New and in mint condition.
Inventory Number: 12449
Navigator of the "Enola Gay", the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Signed pencil drawing on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper. Van Kirk draws in his hand the Enola Gay and the atomic mushroom cloud that formed when the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Van Kirk writes,"Mushroom cloud estimated at 60,000 feet above the Aioi bridge - target at the center of Hiroshima. After the bomb exploded, you could only draw one conclusion, The war was finally over." Van Kirk notes in the margin "Enola Gay 31,060 feet altitude 259 Knots - (speed) Heading - about 57'" Signed "Theodore J "Dutch" Van Kirk Navigator - Enola Gay Hiroshima 6 Aug 1945" Clearly drawn, one pencil erasure mark. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 12338
Signed a typescript from the Japanese Home Service KON 630 KCS at 6:00 AM Tuesday 8/7 in part: “A small number of B-twenty-nines penetrated into Hiroshima city a little after eight AM yesterday morning and dropped a small number of bombs. As a result a considerable number of homes were reduced to ashes and fires broke out in various parts of the city...The enemy has exposed his cold bloodeness and atrocious nature more and more in killing innocent people by the use of this new-type bomb...It is believed that the enemy, being faced with difficult conditions, is feeling rushed to turn the war into one of short duration. As frequently pointed out in the past, the people must watch themselves against underrating the enemy simply because he has carried out raids with a small number of planes. The enemy has been carrying out large-scale propaganda on the effectiveness of this new-type bomb since using these bombs, but as long as we formulate strong steel-like measures to cope with this bomb, it will be possible to keep damage to a minimum...We must be careful at all times so that we will not fall victim to the enemy's machinations.” Signed at bottom "Thomas W. Ferebee," the bombardier who dropped the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in WWII. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11875
3 different real photos of MacArthur and the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. 1 Photo 5 x 3", the others are 4.25 x 3" on glossy, b/w. They are not reprints and guaranteed original. All the dignitaries required were present and are in the photos. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11806
German U-boat commander with the 2nd highest tonnage sunk by anyone in WWII. Signed Photo, 8 x 10", card stock, B/W. Topp in navy uniform shown inside submarine looking through scope. Singed in black felt tip on the lower white margin "Erich Topp." In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11703
Navigator on the ""Enola Gay"", the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945. Signed book, hard back, 205 pages, titled Explaining the Atom by Selig Hecht. Van Kirk writes on the title page the science behind the atomic explosion in Hiroshima: Van Kirk writes in his hand: ""Pg. 182 an atomic explosion: The first atom that fission produces two neutrons, which fission and produces 4..thus the generations of splitting atom numbers , 1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128. The tenth generation is 1024, the thirtieth generation is over a billion... in the minutest fraction of a second the whole mass of material will have fissioned and released the energy of the atomic bomb- that's how the splitting of the tiniest atom destroyed a large city like Hiroshima - Theodore J Dutch Van Kirk Navigator- Enola Gay, August 6, 1945."" In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11637
Navigator on the ""Enola Gay"", the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945. Signed book, hard back with dust jacket, 256 page, titled Seven Hours to Zero by Joseph L. Marx. The book is a detailed account of the events relating to the bombing of Hiroshima. Van Kirk who was a big player in those events writes in his hand on title page. ""A generally good account of our mission to drop the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima. There are a few historical discrepancies as memories fade after the fact -Theodore J ""Dutch"" Van Kirk Navigator- Enola Gay, August 6, 1945."" In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11457
Tail-gunner on the Enola Gay, plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Handwritten Autograph Letter Signed, ""George"", 2 pages, August 5, 1993, 8 x 11"", Caron writes in his hand ""...The news about your son must have been devastating ... Goddamn drugs are a curse to mankind ..my concern for you was growing by the day .. if I could have afforded it, I would have grapped a plane and went down there. Bouts of severe depression must be terrible... I sure hope your doc can come up with something to help. Just last week there was a long story in the paper about PROZAC... I haven't been well... The damn bronchitis settled into walking pneumonia.. doc put me on little A bombs which didn't react too favorably..."" Signed ""George"". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11309
U.S. Army Private who was taken hostage by Iraqi forces during the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Signed typescript, 1 page, July 2003. Lynch writes "" Thank you for being here. It's great to be home. I would like to say thank you to everyone who hopes and played for my safe return.. I am also grateful to several Iraqi citizens who helped save my life while I was in their hospital. And then a unit of our Special Forces soldiers did save my life. I am an American soldier, too.."" Signed in black ink ""Jessica Lynch"".
Inventory Number: 11265
Son of Connecticut's Revolutionary War governor; served as General George Washington's secretary during the Revolution; governor of Connecticut from 1797-1809. Partially printed Document Signed, Military Commision for Abel Rossetter, New Haven, dated October 12, 1799, 1 page, folio, appointing "Abel Rossetter...Lieutenant of the fifth Company in the 27th Regiment of Militia...". Signed "Jona Trumbull" as Governor of Connecticut. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11189
Tail-gunner on the Enola Gay, plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Handwritten Autograph Letter Signed, "George", 1 page, no date., 4 x 5", to deceased autograph dealer Joe Fawls. Caron writes, "...What would be the chances of getting some mushroom [explosion of Hiroshima] 8 x 10s from you.. you said your guy gave you a good price..The place I go it takes 200 to get a decent price and I'll never need anywhere near that many. I've sold a few to friends in Denver.. George". Tail-gunner on the Enola Gay is attempting to buy photos of the mushroom cloud created by the Hiroshima atomic explosion, so he can make money from it. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 10682
WW II Japanese Language Guide for American GI's. Army book, 4 x 5", paperback, unsigned, titled "Japanese - A Guide to the Spoken Language". Published by the War Department marked "for military personnel only", Printed June 19, 1943, about 60 pages with cartoon illustrations. In 1943 the War Department either used this for B-52 crews or already knew that it would soon conquer Japan, it was already instructing GI's with basic language skills. Unusual. In very good condition.
Inventory Number: 10550
Original item from W.W.II Reuters Correspondent David Brown who was attached to Third Fleet Landing Force- Japan. Archive of two items. Not dated but circa August 1945 as it related to the occupation of Tokyo, Declaring the end of the war, 7 pages. Titled ""Memorandum To Correspondents- Third Fleet Landing Force - William T. Clement, Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps."" In part ""...Disarmed Japanese Military and Naval personnel will be treated with dignity while in our custody..while the Japanese have agreed to disarm and demilitarize the Tokyo Bay Area the possibility of treacherous employment of all weapons can not be overlooked... Troops will carry pieces loaded.. they will open fire only when fired upon... The people of the United States and Allied Nations have long awaited the news that we are soon to announce. My wishes for your success are with you. Wm. T. Clement"". Includes pages of instructions, public info., assignments, changes in assignments, transfers from Naval Bases, etc. Also includes Correspondent David Brown's I.D. card. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 10288
Four Original World War II photographs. Extra large format, Official U.S. Government Large Format WWII Photos. Photographs,13 x 10" photos on 16" x 20" boards, circa 1945. Images included are Official U.S. Coast Guard Photographs, "Rescuing an Invasion Barge", "AA Battery on Coast Guard Transport". Official U.S. Army Air Force Photograph "Raid's Victim, Rabaul" and Official U.S. Navy Photograph "Night Watch 'Down Under' ". All in excellent condition. Very interesting historic lot, in excellent condition. 4 items.
Inventory Number: 10269
Five Original World War II photographs. Extra large format, Official U.S. Government Large Format WWII Photos. Photographs,13 x 10" photos on 16" x 20" boards, circa 1945. A collection of 5 official U.S. Government photographs documenting the vamoose branches of military service in action in both European and Pacific Theaters. Images included are Official U.S. Coast Guard Photos, "Invasion Line-Up, Cape Gloucester", "Transport Lays a Smoke Screen", and Official U.S. Navy Photos "Bougainville Beach Scene", "Aftermath of Battle", "The 'Minneapolis' Comes Back". All in excellent condition. Very interesting historic lot, in excellent condition. 5 items.
Inventory Number: 10267
Tail-gunner on the Enola Gay, plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Handwritten Autograph Letter Signed, "George", 2 pages, on lines paper, dated April 7, 1993, 8 1/2"X11", to deceased autograph dealer Joe Fawls. Caron writes, "...Haven't heard from you in awhile - hope...your selling lots of autographs. ..I've been selling a few mushroom 8 x 10's [image of the mushroom cloud above Hiroshima due to the Atom Bomb] to friends...One time you told me you had a good photo shop that printed them up at a good price. I'd like to buy 5 or 6...Talked to Paul [Tibbets, pilot of plane that dropped the A-Bomb] a couple of weeks ago; he's back in Columbus. Clark is back selling his book...Paul said he's supposed to get a 50-50 split. He won't sign tho. He did sign the 2 for the wife and I..." In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 10259
U.S. record holder for submarine top tonnage sunk in WWII. Signed Photo, 8" x 10", Signed in blue ink, "Eugene Fluckey" . In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 10217
Complete newspaper. The Augusta Herald, V-E Day Edition, May 8, 1945 with headlines reading "V-E DAY HAILED, Truman and Churchill Proclaim Full Victory", "Isolated Pockets of Nazi Troops Still Resisting Despite V-E Day", "President Truman Proclaims End of War Against Germany". Usual toning and wear, in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 9973
Original Newsweek August 13, 1945 Declaring the Division of Europe a week after the end of World War II and The Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima. Cover depicts Stalin, Churchill and Truman; "Big Three ended the Potsdam meeting. Germany was stripped of her power to make war..." Some other featured articles: Awesome Force of Atom Bomb Loosed To Hasten Japanese Surrender. "and "Germany Must Pay for War Guilt" Good condition, minor wear.
Inventory Number: 9898
A 1946 official booklet about surrender documents of the Axis. Titled "The Axis In Defeat - A Collection of Documents on American Policy Toward Germany and Japan". Printed Booklet, 118 pages. year 1946. Printed by the US Dept. of State . Text of the surrender documents signed by the Germans and also the Japanese surrender document, the authority of Gen. Mac Arthur as SCAP, the official Declaration regarding the Defeat of Germany. Covers aged, two pages creased otherwise good.
Inventory Number: 9529
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces, commanded by Dwight Eisenhower, landed on five Normandy beaches. This began the invasion of Europe and the end of World War II less than a year later. Handwritten Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages, 5 x 8"", dated June 7, 1944, San Francisco. An American soldier writes to his parents, ""'Was certainly news about the Invasion, it makes our end out here seem like an old maids tea party. I was afraid that they were waiting for the Russians to take Berlin before they made the landing, I only pray that it is over shortly over there so we can throw all of our weight against the 'Nips'. I'm glad, too, that we took Rome so easily, it would have been a shame (quite an understatement) to had had to shell or bomb the city into submission..."" Signed ""Maurice"". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 9510
French General. Head of the French Armed Forces in WWI who fought against the Germans. Personal business card printed "Commander of the 13th Division Infantry ", "1000 thanks and a remembrance". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 9386
During WW II, V-mail system was adopted by the US Post Office in 1942 to save space. The weight of 150,000 letters was reduced from 2,575 pounds to a mere 45. V-mail consisted of miniaturized messages reproduced by microphotography. Individual facsimiles were reproduced in the States and then delivered to the addressee. Lot of 46 War & Navy V-Mail from WW II from one officer to his family. All dated between 1943 and 1945, each about 4 x 5"", These 46 letters are from Capt. W.H. Minnich in original transmittal envelope with post marked date. Mostly personal correspondence to family but some interesting comments dated March 6, 1944: ""..Since it looks like Hitler's submarines made a bad job of it.."", June 16, 1944, ""..Censorship now allows me to mention that I visited Naples, Pompeii and Vesuvius.."", dated November 10, 1944 ""..I'm glad FDR got in again. I hated to think of them changing Presidents at a time like this..""In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 9007
U.S. Admiral and father of the nuclear submarine. Typed Letter Signed, 1 page on ""United States Atomic Energy Commission Washington"" , letterhead, and addressed to ""Mr. George J. McFarlane"". Rickover writes in part; ""...Distribution of these covers has had to be limited to those people involved with the naval nuclear propulsion program..."" Signed, ""H.G. Rickover"" in clean black ink. One fold. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 7288
Fascinating World War II Newspaper. Daily Express, dated Wednesday, March 28, 1945. "GERMANS IN THE WEST ARE WHIPPED - AT LAST - COLLAPSE". Large map shows drive into Germany. On back page is the last photo taken of Hitler shaking hands with a Hitler Youth, at unspecified headquarters (outside the famous bunker in Berlin). Photo taken shortly before Hitler's suicide. Newspaper also includes photo of German Doktor Karl Schnurre and photo of dead German soldiers. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 5860
U.S. General. Head of all US Forces during the Vietnam war. Great content. Headed: ""Vietnam Myth and Facts,"" and reads in full: ""91% of Vietnam Veterans say they are glad they served. 74% said they would serve again even knowing the outcome... Myth: The United States lost the war in Vietnam. ---The American military was not defeated in Vietnam. The American military did not lose a battle of any consequence. From a military standpoint, it was almost an unprecedented performance. (Westmoreland quoting Douglas Pike, a professor at the University of California, Berkley a renowned expert on the Vietnam War)"" Signed in blue ink ""W Westmoreland."" Great content and in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 5232
