Rare signed photos: vintage matte-finish 6.5 x 8.5 portrait of Khrushchev in a suit and tie, signed in the lower right in black ink, adding the date of November 30, 1957; and a vintage matte-finish 8 x 10.75 portrait of Bulganin in a suit and tie, signed in the lower border in black ink, adding the date of January 1, 1957. Khrushchev photo has a triangular area of discoloration to the upper left corner, moderate contrast to signature against his dark suit, and some silvering to dark areas of the image, otherwise fine condition; Bulganin photo in fine condition with some slight foxing and edge creases. Accompanied by original mailing envelopes for both and a secretary’s transmittal letter for the Khrushchev photo, sent to an artist in India who requested it through the embassy. Khrushchev is rare in any form and this is just the second signed portrait we have offered—even more importantly, this photo dates to a turning point in Soviet foreign relations. Just 15 days prior to signing, on November 15, Khrushchev had given an interview in which he bragged about Soviet missile superiority over the US, saying, 'Let's have a peaceful rocket contest just like a rifle-shooting match, and they'll see for themselves.' RR Auction COA.
