Original vintage matte-finish 7 x 5 photo of Truman and MacArthur shaking hands in front of an airplane at the Wake Island Conference, signed in fountain pen, “Douglas MacArthur,” and “Harry S. Truman 10-15-62.” In fine condition, with a paperclip impression to lower left edge and image a bit blurry. Accompanied by its original negative and a letter of authenticity from James Spence.
With MacArthur’s popularity soaring after his recent victory at Inchon and the expulsion of the North Koreans from South Korea, President Truman set up a public meeting with the general in hopes of bolstering his standing for the 1950 mid-term elections. He arrived at Wake Island on October 15 and was greeted on the tarmac by MacArthur with a handshake—not an official salute—which many saw as a sign of disrespect. A disorganized and unstructured discussion ensued, and the parties left with a general feeling of satisfaction and mutual understanding. Unfortunately, this understanding was short-lived; less than six months later Truman dismissed MacArthur for public statements that contradicted the administration's policies, sparking intense nationwide controversy and destroying his chances at a second term in office. This unpublished, original photo from their meeting at Wake Island, signed by both despite their mutual aversion toward one another, is extraordinary not only in its significant subject, but in its scarcity: we have never seen anything comparable! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
