300 20th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
United States
Witherell’s auction house is a family business rooted in a passion for fine art and antiques, based in Sacramento, a region known for its history and its important 20th century art scene. It all started when Brad Witherell was gifted a Civil War-era Henry rifle from his uncle as a teen, spurring his...Read more
Jan 6, 2017 - Jan 25, 2017
Original mimeographed period copy of the mechanically printed document, the Potsdam Proclamation, signed by President Harry Truman with Churchill and Chiang Kai-shek's names added in Truman's hand, dated July 26, 1945. Of note, the draft version as held by the Truman Library does not contain the date. This disregarded copy was collected by Secret Service Agent Elmer R. Hipsley, which was a customary procedure for unattended documents. It was hidden in an accompanying map of Berlin in a storage box until it was discovered while clearing out his estate. Copies of associated photographs and identification are shown in the lot as supporting documentation and a video of the event showing Agent Hipsley at the scene. Also included is a "Throughway Plan of Berlin", third edition, photolithographed by War Office, 1945. During World War II, the Potsdam Proclamation called for Japan's unconditional surrender and threatened "prompt and utter destruction" for noncompliance with the terms. The Proclamation was dismissed by the Japanese and the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima the following week. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $40.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Please note we do not accept credit cards.
Provenance: Secret Service Agent Elmer R. Hipsley who was present with President Truman, thence by family descent.
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