464.     [PHOTOGRAPHY]. [NIMITZ, CHESTER WILLIAM (sitter)]. Title within image: The Japanese Surrender U.S.S. Missouri Tokyo Bay Sept. 2, 1945. Professional black and white glossy silver print photograph showing Admiral Chester William Nimitz aboard the USS Missouri, surrounded by U.S. naval personnel, seated at a table on the battleship deck and in the act of signing the Japanese surrender document. Signed in ink in image by Nimitz as “U.S. Representative”; also inscribed and signed in ink in lower blank margin: “To Herman Toepperwein with best wishes, warmest regards—and great appreciation of your contributions to the war effort in the Pacific that made possible the above scene. C.W. Nimitz Fleet Admiral, U.S. Navy.” Image size: 16 x 21.8 cm; visible area from mat: 34.5 x 39.5 cm. Fine. Matted and framed under glass.

     Herman Toepperwein (1907-1976, attorney, author, and descendant of the first German settlers in the Fredericksburg area) was Admiral Nimitz’s cousin. Nimitz (1885-1966) was a Fredericksburg, Texas, native who rose through the naval ranks to become commander of U.S. Pacific forces in World War II, in which capacity he was largely responsible for Japan’s defeat. A fine example of an historic moment with an excellent personal association.

($1,500-3,000)

Auction 22 Abstracts