This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2016
World War II came to an end on September 2, 1945, on board the USS Missouri. General Douglas MacArthur made an introductory statement and then directed the representatives of Japan to sign the two Instruments of Surrender, one each for the Allied and Japanese governments. At 9:04 AM, Foreign Minister Shigemitsu signed, followed two minutes later by General Umezu. General MacArthur then instructed the Allied delegations to sign, first Fleet Admiral Nimitz as United States representative, then the representatives of China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, The Netherlands and New Zealand. All signatures were in place by 9:22. Following a few brief concluding remarks by MacArthur, the ceremonies concluded at 9:25. A photographer enshrined the very moment that Nimitz signed for the United States, and after the war, Nimitz would sometimes autograph copies of that famous photograph. Cornelius Greenaway was a noted collector of the mid-20th century who specialized in convincing notable people to step outside their customary bounds and send him signed photographs of their greatest moments (rather than the usual head-shots). Signed Photograph. An 12 by 10 inch photograph of the execution of the Instruments of Surrender, signed by Nimitz below his printed signature on the documents, Nimitz adds "To Alex A. Cumming—With best wishes and warm regards—C. W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral, USA." Authenticated by PSA/DNA with a full letter of authenticity.
