Historic vintage matte-finish 13.5 x 10.75 photo of Nimitz signing the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri (and bearing a facsimile signature), signed and inscribed in the large border in black fountain pen, “To John J. Mulvany–with best wishes and great appreciation of your many contributions to the welfare of our Navy. C. W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral, U. S. Navy.” Framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 12. In fine condition.
Mulvany, the original recipient of this item, was a California banker who founded what would become Bank of America. In 1917, he scouted marshland near Alameda, California, convincing the Navy to establish a base later named Naval Air Station Alameda. Among those he counted among his friends in the years that followed was Fleet Admiral Nimitz, who after the war decided to bestow upon his pay one of the more-famous images of WWII—this photograph that shows Nimitz signing the Japanese copy of the Instrument of Surrender document.
Nimitz was the official representative of the United States, and with the admiral’s signature affixed, the hostilities of World War II were over for the United States. Also visible in the photo are General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Admiral William F. Halsey, and Rear Admiral Forrest Sherman. After the surrender ceremony was over, Nimitz released a statement for broadcast to the Pacific area and the United States. It read, in part: “The long and bitter struggle is at an end. Today all freedom-loving peoples of the world rejoice in the victory and feel pride in the accomplishments of our combined forces. We also pay tribute to those who defended our freedom at the cost of their lives.” A superb image from one of the war’s greatest architects, presented to a man whose vision decades early helped bolster America’s naval strength. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$35.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
