Russian Communist leader (1879–1940) who, with Lenin, organized the Bolshevik seizure of power during the October Revolution of 1917. In 1929, five years after Lenin’s death, Stalin defeated Trotsky for control of the Communist Party and banished him from Russia. Trotsky spent most of the remainder of his life in Mexico, where he was assassinated with a pickaxe by a Stalinist agent. DS, boldly signed in blue pencil, one page, 8.5 x 13.5, September 24, 1919. An untranslated official document. The document has been countersigned by two others. Matted and framed with a photo to an overall size of 22.25 x 19.25. Intersecting folds (horizontal fold touching a few letters of signature), light wrinkling and handling wear, and small marginal file holes, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
