Description:

THE SKETCHBOOK AND LETTERS OF FUKUOKA CAMP P.O.W., JOHN PICKEN
An original book of sketches and letters from home collected by British soldier John Picken, a lance corporal British soldier in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E.) born in Wolverhampton. Picken was interred at Fukuoka 17 Kyushu, Japan, situated at a mine, until August, 1945. Mistreatment of prisoners was the norm, with little shelter, medical support or food provided. In this harsh environment, any form of distraction from misery was welcomed, and thus Picken sought his - and his fellow inmates' - through requesting sketches, poems, and autograph to be added to his personal journal. The entries are held within a linen-bound journal-style book, 5.75 x 8.25 in., with the stamp ‘J. Picken. Autographs' on the cover and contains 45pp. of superb artwork and skillful poetry and narratives. The contents include images of women, portraits of the camp and guards as well as natives, a caricature of Churchill, illustrations of badges, and much more. Autograph material comes in the form of poems – many well-written – a short story, and a number autographs Picken collected, many with sentiments. Picken has also tipped-in a poignant letter from William G. Atkinson of the 874th Bomber Squad, 198 Bomber Group, which participated in the liberation of the camp. Dated Ube, August 3, 1945, it reads in part: ‘…We fell pretty damn lucky to be able to help you fellows now that the fracas has subsided. Believe me, we [would] really appreciate a word from at least one of you when get state side again…'. Also included in this lot are Picken's release papers, including his ‘Soldier's Release Book Class ‘A', containing a ‘Release Leave Certificate' which notes that Picken was a ‘…highly skilled fitter…', instructions-related paperwork after his release; his ‘Joining Order' which confirms that as an ex-POW, Picken is not in possession of the British Army's Soldiers Service and Pay Book ‘AB64, Part I and II'; Picken's Navy Department Patient Identity Tag noting that he is free of disease; and a telegram sent by Picken on Oct. 24, 1945 presumably to family, reading ‘ALL WELL LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON'. Rounding out the archive are 17 letters from Picken's family dating from 1943-1945, two photographs of a unit during happier times, presumably Picken's, and three books: ‘Bomber Command', ‘Front Line 1940-1941', and ‘The Eighth Army'. Condition varies in this lots, with pages with sketches and writing overall very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 13, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000