Title:
Type I Original Photograph – Nagasaki Aftermath of Atomic Bombing – c.1945–46 – PSA Certified – Cert #85485425

Description:
Presented here is a historically significant Type I original photograph documenting the widespread devastation of Nagasaki, Japan, following the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945. This snapshot, developed circa 1945–46, measures approximately 3.25" x 2.5" and depicts a harrowing landscape of destruction—flattened structures, skeletal trees, and shattered masonry, with distant hills standing in grim contrast to the foreground ruins. The image is sharply printed with good contrast, capturing the haunting silence of a city reduced to rubble. It is authenticated by PSA and encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder bearing certification number 85485425. The reverse is hand-stamped with the number “430,” and the photo paper shows natural signs of age consistent with mid-1940s wartime development.

Historical Context:
The United States dropped two atomic bombs in August 1945—first on Hiroshima, then on Nagasaki, in a bid to hasten the end of World War II. The Nagasaki bomb, dropped on August 9, killed an estimated 40,000–75,000 people instantly, with thousands more suffering from radiation sickness and long-term effects. This photo was likely taken shortly after the bombing and printed within months, classifying it as a Type I photograph, developed directly from the original negative during the period of the event. Such photographs were often circulated among Allied forces, press agencies, and postwar investigators. Few remain today in private hands, making them deeply collectible and historically resonant.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This photograph has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA, a global leader in photo and autograph verification.

• Certification Number: 85485425

• PSA Label: "TYPE I / AUTHENTIC / ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH / NAGASAKI / AFTERMATH OF ATOMIC BOMBING / C.1945–46 / SNAPSHOT"

• Encased in a tamper-proof PSA holder for archival-grade preservation and protection.

• 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:
This original Type I photograph of Nagasaki’s ruins following the atomic bombing is a stark and sobering visual record of one of humanity’s most consequential and devastating wartime moments. Its authenticity, period development, and preservation in a PSA holder make it an exceptional acquisition for collectors of World War II history, nuclear era artifacts, or rare documentary photography.

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.