Russian Communist leader (1879–1940) who, with Lenin, organized the Bolshevik seizure of power during the October Revolution of 1917. In 1929, five years after Lenin’s death, Stalin defeated Trotsky for control of the Communist Party and banished him from Russia. Trotsky spent most of the remainder of his life in Mexico, where he was assassinated with a pickaxe by a Stalinist agent. Very rare vintage glossy 4.75 x 7 photo of Trotsky and his wife Natalia posing outdoors in Mexico, signed in blue fountain pen “Natalia” and “Leon Trotsky.” The photo bears a “Photo Mex” stamp on reverse. Robert Batchelder, a previous owner of the photo, states that the signatures were originally obtained by a Trotskyist friend during a visit with the exiled leader; the photo is accompanied by Batchelder’s 1984 catalogue write-up. In fine condition, with some scattered light creases and surface marks, and a bit of trivial irregular ink adhesion to signature. Signed photos of Trotsky are of greatest scarcity. R&R COA.
