LOT #42060 |
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Facsimile Print of the Instrument of Surrender of Imperial Japan Printed Aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, Tokyo Bay, Ja...
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Description
Facsimile Print of the Instrument of Surrender of Imperial Japan Printed Aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, Tokyo Bay, Japan on September 2, 1945.This unbound copy of the Instrument of Surrender is one of approximately sixty believed printed for General Officers and Dignitaries. It is printed on a special U.S. Federal Two-Star Eagle watermarked heavy stock. The first page of the document contains a statement in English from the Japanese representatives that they have accepted the provisions for surrender directed by the Allies at the Potsdam Conference and henceforth unconditionally surrender. The additional pages consist of the following: 1) The signatures of the Imperial Japanese Army General Chief of Staff Yoshihiro Umezu, Civil Representative Mamoru Shigemitsu [in Kanji], Supreme Commander of Allied Forces General of the Army Douglas F. MacArthur and Admiral of the Navy Chester W. Nimitz, amongst signatories for the other Allies from the Republic of China, United Kingdom, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Dominion of Canada, the Provisional Government of the French Republic, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Dominion of New Zealand. 2) an English translation of the declaration of Emperor Hirohito ordering the acceptance of the unconditional surrender of Japan as determined at the Potsdam Conference. 3) Japanese translations of the above referenced text complete with the seal of Emperor Hirohito and the signatures of the Japanese representatives. The remaining pages are comprised of the Japanese and English language translations and further seals.
The Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay during a short ceremony and broadcast with a statement worldwide. This facsimile copy was one of a limited number ordered printed for officer and dignitaries present aboard the U.S.S. Missouri during the ceremony. This particular copy was found in the estate of then Lt. Lawrence Sommer, liaison and communication officer U.S. Army Signal Corps aboard the Missouri on September 2, 1945.
Provenance:
Col. Lawrence Sommer [Ret.]
Family donated to SOCKS 501 (c) (3) Ft. Walton Beach, FL. [2017]
Acquired from SOCKS by the current consignor
This rare artifact of the signing is approximately 22" x 15" on heavy U. S. Special stock with Federal Army Eagle over two stars watermark on each page of the document. Of an estimated sixty to have been printed, approximately fifty were unbound, as such, and approximately ten were red-leather bound with embossed name for presentation.
Not surprisingly, few examples of these prized souvenirs have found their way into collectors' hands. Condition is very good with light aging and minor small creases at bottom corners.
Auction Info
2019 December 14 Historic Flags of World War II Signature Auction - Dallas #6224 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2019
14th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 4,176
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 12.5% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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