The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction Spring 2023

Lot #973:

Historic Camera Used to Photograph 1945 Japanese Surrender USS Missouri and Photograph Collection

A most historic archive from the family whose member was a military photographer aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay during the WWII Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. The lot includes the very camera used to photograph this momentous occasion and includes a collection of historic photographs of the Japanese surrender as well as other photographs documenting significant wartime events. The camera is a Kalart synchronized range finder graphic camera and includes some apparatus inside its original hard case, painted with the photographer’s name, serial number and a hand painted “mascot” emblem for the Signal Corps Pictorial Service Southwest Pacific Area. More than 70 historic photographs are included that document such things as Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur signing the instruments of surrender aboard the USS Missouri, surrender signing by representatives of Russia and the Japanese Emperor, MacArthur with Emperor Hirohito, General MacArthur – General Eichelburger and Admiral Halsey raising the American Flag at the American Embassy in Tokyo, and photographs of the War Crimes Tribunal and several prisoners including Tojo. Several photographs document sites of aerial bombardment, Japanese landscape, cityscape and lifestyle. One photograph actual pictures a street scene of the photographer with this very camera bag on his shoulder. A remarkable collection. Camera bag 15 X 9 X 5. Photographs 8 X 10. We cannot determine if the camera is in working order. Fair to very good condition. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.