LOT #35242 |
Sold on Mar 6, 2009 for: Not Sold
Che Guevara Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 6" x 8.5", "S.M. 20 Febrero 1958. Commonly known as Che Guevara or ...
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Description
Che Guevara Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 6" x 8.5", "S.M. 20 Febrero 1958. Commonly known as Che Guevara or El Che, Che Guevara, was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, politician, author, physician, military theorist, and guerrilla leader.Following a chance meeting with Fidel Castro in Mexico, Guevara joined Castro's 26th of July Movement and in December 1956, he was among the revolutionaries who invaded Cuba under Castro with the intention of overthrowing United States-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. Guevara soon rose to prominence among the insurgents, was promoted to Comandante, and played a pivotal role in the successful two-year guerrilla campaign that deposed Batista.
While still deeply involved in the fight to drive Batista from power, Guevara wrote this short letter to "Salvador" concerning guerrilla activities. He writes from "S.M.," Sierra Maestra Mountains where Castro's rebel army was entrenched, and mentions the occupation of towns, regulating the army, and the need to avoid crossfire on the upcoming mission.
Just four days after this letter was written, on the 63rd anniversary of the beginning of José Martí's War of Independence, Radio Rebelde began transmitting from "the free territory of Cuba." Founded by Guevera, the station transmitted from Pata de la Mesa, Che's command post in the Sierra Maestras, the generator and the first radio equipment arriving on or about the day this letter was written. Twice a day, the station broadcasted first-hand reports on battles against the Batista Army, including actions carried out by the urban underground movement. It would denounce the atrocities of the dictatorship, and carry statements by rebel leaders to the general population. Guevara had apparently been inspired to create the station by observing the effectiveness of CIA supplied radio in Guatemala in ousting the government of Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán.
Letter is moderately age toned, and soiled around edges. Brittle, with complete fold separation and several small tears and chips at upper edge. Although fragile, this is an extremely rare and desirable item from one of the greatest revolutionary fighters in modern history.
Auction Info
2009 March Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction #6019 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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