WWII Photo Archive Incl. Nimitz & McCain Signed, 7 Pcs

An archive of vintage black and white and sepia-colored World War II photographs, seven pieces total, including two signed by major World War II naval commanders Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and John S. McCain, Sr. Expected surface wear including flyspecking, wrinkles, isolated edge wear, and gentle curling, else very good to near fine. The average size is 8" x 10."

The lot consists of:

1. A photograph showing Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (1885-1966) signing the terms of Japanese surrender aboard the U.S.S. Missouri on September 2, 1945, with General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral William F. Halsey, and numerous American officers looking on. Signed and inscribed by Nimitz, as: "To Vice Admiral Towers / with best wishes / C.W. Nimitz" at left.

Admiral Nimitz dedicated this photograph to career naval officer John Henry Towers (1885-1955). Towers was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral in October 1942, and tasked as Commander, Air Force, Pacific Fleet. In this capacity, he ably served as Admiral Nimitz's chief advisor in all things administrative in the Pacific Theatre.

2. A portrait of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. (1884-1945), signed and inscribed by him along the top, as: "To D.E. Shanley - / with best wishes / J.S. McCain / V Adm / off Tokyo: May 16, 1945." Stamped "Official U.S. Navy / Photograph" verso.

John S. McCain, Sr. was present during the Japanese surrender ceremonies on September 2nd. He died in the United States just four days later of a heart attack.

3.-7. Five photographs, the majority of which show various large-scale naval maneuvers at open sea. One photograph shows aerial bombardment, possibly conducted during training exercises or in battle. The photograph of the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Shangri-La, is stamped verso with Dorman E. Shanley's name and the date August 17, 1945.

The U.S.S. Shangri-La was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in September 1944. The vessel launched air raid missions which harassed the Japanese archipelago between April - August 1945. Dorman E. Shanley's name does not appear on the crew list of the U.S.S. Shangri-La. Was he a U.S. Navy photographer?

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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