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Lot #22
Harry S. Truman Signed Photograph and Typed Letter Signed

"Some day!!"—desirable signed 'Dewey Defeats Truman' photograph

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Estimate: $10000+
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Description

"Some day!!"—desirable signed 'Dewey Defeats Truman' photograph

Vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Truman holding up the iconic 'Dewey Defeats Truman' issue of the Chicago Tribune, signed and inscribed on the newspaper in fountain pen, "To Alexander Nahas, Some day!! Harry S. Truman," who adds the date above, "Signed 3-30-62.” Reverse bears two Wide World Photo stamps and an affixed caption sheet dated November 5, 1948. Included with the photo is a TLS from Truman to Nahas, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 28, 1962, in full: "As you have requested, I have signed the picture and it is being returned to you, herewith. I was glad to autograph the picture and appreciate what you had to say concerning it." The letter is framed to a slightly larger size. In overall fine condition.

When the decision to print the infamous 'Dewey Defeats Truman' paper was made, returns for the 1948 presidential election were coming in very slowly and time was running out before the Chicago Daily Tribune's deadline. The pro-Republican Tribune staff, based on the early returns, decided Dewey would be the next president. After the newspaper was delivered to the street, more returns came in and showed that Truman would be reelected. Despite their scramble to recover their mistaken papers, about 2,000 copies were unaccounted for. Showing Truman gleefully displaying the erroneous paper on his train the next morning, this is one of the most famous political photos in U.S. history—with this fantastic signed example authenticated by Truman himself!

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Animation
  • Dates: #637 - Ended June 15, 2022