Truman Signed Photo, Return from Potsdam Conference

This is a truly important signed photo. The photo was taken while returning from Potsdam Conference Aboard U.S.S. Augusta An oversized black and white photograph of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), staff, military officers, and members of the press, boldly signed by Truman as "Harry S. Truman" at the center bottom. Almost certainly signed aboard the U.S.S. Augusta as it neared Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, circa early August 1945, after President Truman and staff attended the Potsdam Conference. Also signed by eight other individuals including World War II notables (further described below.) Stamped and pencil-inscribed with serial number verso. Expected wear including a few minor scattered wrinkles, else very good to near fine. 14" x 11".

Ex-Forbes Collection. President Truman attended the Potsdam Conference (July 17 - August 2, 1945), the postwar meeting of leaders from the Soviet Union, United States, and the United Kingdom, to discuss the practical terms of unconditional German surrender. Truman traveled to Europe via the U.S.S. Augusta, and would later return aboard the same vessel. The U.S.S. Augusta was a Northampton-class cruisier involved in multiple World War II naval campaigns, and she also served as the presidential flagship.

Signatories include, front row from right to left:

Robert G. Nixon, an International News Service journalist, signed as "Robert G. Nixon"

Ernest B. Vaccaro, a reporter from the Associated Press, signed as "Ernest (Tony) Vaccaro"

William D. Leahy (1875-1959), Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief and Fleet Admiral of the U.S. Navy, signed as "William D Leahy"

President Harry S. Truman signed as "Harry S Truman"

James Byrnes (1882-1972), U.S. Secretary of State, signed as "James F. Byrnes"

Captain James Vardaman, commander of U.S.S. Augusta, signed as "J Vardaman"

Unidentified man, probably a reporter, signed as "H.L. Thompson" Signatories include, back row from right to left: Unidentified man, probably a reporter, signed as "George C. Duncker" Merriman Smith, a United Press journalist, as "Merriman Smith" An unsigned version of this photograph is in the collection of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, Accession Number 63-1453-49.

Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

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