November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
The personal letter accompanying the sword is on Admiral Halsey's Four Star stationary. He addresses Admiral McCain's widow as "Dear Katie,/ I know you will accept this sword as representing a small but significant tribute in recognition of your husband's superb leadership of our carriers, in pressing relentlessly the war against Japan." This sword, together with another presented as having been surrendered by Rear Admiral Komura both emanate from the collection of Raymond Bentley, Nutley, New Jersey. This swords assumes particular significance not only because of its association with Admirals Halsey and McCain, but from the association with the recently deceased and world famous Senator from Arizona, John McCain, the Admiral's grandson, who is the subject of a very personal letter accompanying the sword, written and franked on September 2, 1945, from the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The letter to the future senator McCain reads: "Dear Grandson,/ Post-mark is of place and date of Japan's surrender. Your Granddad was there./ Affectionately, Granddad." One of the most historically significant World War II relics, the sword itself with 25-1/2" blade with active temper line and very high quality Japanese naval mounts with big same saya, and Naval Officer's knot. It is unclear which Japanese Officer surrendered the sword but what is clear is that it was presented by Admiral Halsey to McCain's widow. Sword is accompanied by original documents including the touching letter from Admiral McCain to his grandson, the future senator from Arizona and twice presidential candidate. The archive worthy of any museum. From the Ray Bentley Collection.