Cuban revolutionary (born 1926) who overthrew the Batista dictatorship in 1959. With the nationalization of industry, confiscation of foreign property, and establishment of close ties to the Soviet Union, all under his regime, Cuba became one of the central players in Cold War geopolitics, most notably in the disastrous, U.S.–sponsored Bay of Pigs Invasion and Cuban Missile Crisis of the 1960s. Following intestinal surgery from an undisclosed digestive illness believed to have been diverticulitis, he transferred his responsibilities to the First Vice President, his younger brother Raúl Castro, on July 31, 2006. On February 19, 2008, five days before his mandate was to expire, Fidel Castro announced he would neither seek nor accept a new term as either president or commander-in-chief, though he remains First Secretary of the Communist Party. At nearly five decades, Castro’s was the longest non-monarchial regime in history. Uncommon oversized color glossy 16 x 20 photo of the smiling Castro in uniform, signed near the bottom in blue felt tip “Fidel Castro, Abril 19, 96.” According to the consignor, the photo was possibly intended to be presented to the head of the Communist Party of Cuba, but was never delivered. Scattered surface marks, dings and creases (a few to face and beard), otherwise very good to fine condition. Most unusual in signed photos of this size! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
