December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
Lot consists of: (A) Framed poster depicting the flag raising at Iwo Jima that is signed by all three flag raisers who survived the battle. Of the six men depicted in the picture, three of the Marines, Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, and Michael Strank were killed in action, and the three survivors, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes were sent back to the United States to help promote war bond sales. Recent discoveries revealed that John Bradley was in fact not one of the flag raisers captured in the famous photo that was taken by Joe Rosenthal, as Marine Harold Schultz was misidentified as Bradley. This is a rare opportunity to own a poster from that war bond tour that is signed by all three of the surviving flag raisers. It is especially rare with Ira Hayes' signature, as he passed away in 1955 and his signature is much harder to come across. The frame measures approximately 25" x 19". CONDITION: The poster exhibits fold lines and slight staining, however the signatures remain untouched by damage. it appears this poster was once stapled to a wall as there are staple marks as well as slight tears throughout. Considering the signatures and their preservation, this is in overall good condition. (B) 8" x 10" photo of the flag raising at Iwo Jima signed by Brigadier General Harry B. Liversedge who was the commander of the 28th Marines during the battle of Iwo Jima. His signature on ephemera relating to Iwo Jima is also quite rare, as he passed away in 1951 at the age of 57. CONDITION: The photo exhibits slight creasing in the corners with a few scattered blemishes. The signature exhibits slight fading but is well preserved. Overall very good. JD
Item Dimensions: 25" X 19"