Lot 293

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Description:

A historically critical teletype from the end of World War II, an original teletype first announcing the surrender of Japan, sent to Ft. Shafter, Hawaii - the headquarters of the U.S. Army Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas. The print-out, 8.25 x 10 in., is stamped 'URGENT' and addressed to six different Army bases. The teletype bears the announcement from Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur, first sent via Army Radio Manila, reading: 'FORMAL SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT, JAPANESE IMPERIAL GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AND ALL JAPANESE AND JAPANESE CONTROLLED ARMED FOR CES [sic] WHEREEVER LOCATED WAS SIGNED ON THE BATTLESHIP MISSOURI IN TOKYO BAY AT 0908 HOURS, ITEM TIME 2 SEPTEMBER 1945'. After being received, these teletypes were later decoded and mimeographed for further distribution; one such mimeograph is included in this lot. Staple hole, light edgewear at bottom, else very good. This lot was taken from a large number of teletypes brought home by Charles F. Hoff, a 'cryptographic message center officer' stationed at Headquarters Army Forces Middle Pacific, charged with sending and receiving messages from Washington to the Pacific, as well as coding and decoding classified documents. Consigned by a direct linear descendant, and sold with a photocopy of a letter of provenance delivered from our consigner to our offices. Given that the original announcement of Japan's surrender was only sent to six military bases, it is believed that only five similar examples were ever created and few, if any, remain extant today.

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May 22, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000