Lot 210
Truman, Harry S. World War II Victory Proclamation Broadside Signed and Inscribed to the veteran and seemingly-immortal White House Executive Clerk Maurice C. Latta, who began as a clerk at the White House under President William McKinley in 1898 and who would serve for fifty years-- through 1947 : "This was a happy birthday to me [Truman's birthday was May 8]. I hope this will be a happy Christmas for you. 12/25/45. To Mr. Maurice C. Latta. Harry S. Truman."
This impressive document, bearing a six-inch signature by Truman, is printed on a 21¾x14½" leaf of heavy-stock presentation paper, dated in print May 8, 1945, the date the unconditional surrender of Germany to the Allies was ratified in Berlin. Across the top of the page, in blue lettering is: "By The President Of The United States Of America." The initial "T" in the first paragraph is gold and each paragraph thereafter begins with either a blue or red letter, two paragraphs having three words in red lettering. The proclamation begins: "The Allied Armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's Help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender…." While celebrating the victory in the West, Truman acknowledges, "The victory won in the West must now be won in the East. The whole world must be cleansed of the evil from which half the world has been freed…." and the President appoints Sunday, May 13, 1945, as a day of prayer.
The document is recessed in a beautiful 24x18" inch tortoise-shell frame. In superb condition. A Victory Proclamation signed by Truman sold for $19,500 in 2004. Scarce.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
Sang Collection.
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| Realized $17,250 |
