Title:
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Signed & Inscribed Japanese Surrender Photograph – USS Missouri, September 2, 1945 – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Autograph #85865408

Description:
Original black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed in blue ink by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, depicting the historic Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The image captures Admiral Nimitz seated at the signing table as he signs the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the United States, while Allied military leaders and officers witness the historic occasion.

Nimitz has added an exceptional multi-line presentation inscription reading:

"To Shipmate Leeghton
Ch. W. Nimitz
U.S. Representative
The Japanese Surrender - USS Missouri - 2 Sept 1945"

The personalized inscription transforms the photograph into a uniquely desirable presentation piece, directly identifying the event, location, and date commemorated in the image. The photograph displays excellent contrast and strong visual appeal and has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA for long-term preservation.

Historical Context:
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (1885–1966) served as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas during World War II. His strategic leadership was instrumental in securing Allied victories across the Pacific, including the decisive Battles of Midway, the Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.

On September 2, 1945, representatives of the Empire of Japan formally signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II. General Douglas MacArthur presided over the ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, while Admiral Nimitz signed the surrender document on behalf of the United States. Photographs depicting Nimitz at the signing table are among the most iconic images associated with the conclusion of the war.

The inscription makes this example particularly significant, as Nimitz personally identified the photograph as depicting "The Japanese Surrender - USS Missouri - 2 Sept 1945," creating a remarkable firsthand association between the signer and the historic event captured in the image.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as an Authentic Autograph.

• PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85865408
• PSA Label Description: Photograph – Chester Nimitz – Authentic Auto
• Securely housed in a PSA tamper-evident holder for long-term preservation and display.
• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
Few signed World War II artifacts are as historically compelling as photographs depicting the official Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. This outstanding example not only captures Admiral Chester W. Nimitz in the act of signing the Instrument of Surrender but also bears his personalized inscription identifying the event, location, and date. Authenticated by PSA/DNA, it is an exceptional museum-quality collectible representing one of the defining moments of the twentieth century.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.