Lot 125

(5) Atomic Bomb/World War II Photos, Incl. One Showing "A-Bomb Victim No. 1" Possibly Signed By His Wife 7 Years After Blast

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(5) Atomic Bomb/World War II Photos, Incl. One Showing "A-Bomb Victim No. 1" Possibly Signed By His Wife 7 Years After Blast

Estimate: $300 - $400

Current Bid: $180

(2 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Atomic Bomb
various, ca. 1942-1952
(5) Atomic Bomb/World War II Photos, Incl. One Showing "A-Bomb Victim No. 1" Possibly Signed By His Wife 7 Years After Blast
Archive

A small group of World War II-era vintage photographs, five in total. The most intriguing item of the lot is an apparent souvenir photograph showing Kiyoshi Kikkawa, dubbed "A-bomb Victim No. 1" because of his close proximity to the hypocenter of the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945. The reverse of this photograph has possibly been signed or inscribed by his wife, a fellow survivor named Ikimi Kikkawa, in Japanese. Ca. 1942-1952. Various locations. The remaining photographs include one showing an Atomic Bomb test; and three snapshots of U.S. servicemen stationed at major military training centers at Gulfport, Mississippi and Baer Field, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good. The largest photograph measures 5.75" x 3.5".

The lot includes:

1. Sepia-colored photograph showing the injuries of Kiyoshi Kikkawa (ca. 1912-1986), an atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima. July 7, 1952. Hiroshima, Japan. On the reverse, Kiyoshi's wife, Ikimi Kikkawa (ca. 1921-2013) has possibly signed or inscribed the photograph in Japanese. It is inscribed and dated as "Okimi [sic] Kikkawa / July 7, 52 / Hiroshima" above untranslated Japanese characters along the bottom edge. Gentle curling, 3" x 4.325".

The picture shows the keloids, or horrific bomb burns, on Kikkawa's back and arms. A placard placed in front of Kikkawa dates the original photo to April 1947, when American inspectors returned to document survivors' medical conditions. The presence of the felt tracking board, with the survivor's name and date on it, indicates that this photograph was produced after an original government archival record. It is possible that the suspected autograph was obtained at the souvenir shop which the Kikkawas established near the Hiroshima bomb site in 1951. The Kikkawas used their shop to advocate for atomic bomb survivor rights.

2. Black and white photograph showing an atomic bomb detonated over a body of water, pen-inscribed "Second A Test" verso. Isolated surface crazing and impressions from the handwriting verso. 4.5" x 3.5".

3. Black and white photograph with scalloped edges, pen-inscribed verso as: "Oct. 1942, / Gulfport Field, Mississippi / Our 'Work Clothes.' / 'The Gang." Isolated surface crazing and impressions from the handwriting verso. Adhesive residue verso. 5.75" x 3.5".

4. Black and white photograph pen-inscribed verso as: "Gulfport Field, / Miss. / Jan. 1943. / Sarge Cosgrove / + I." Isolated surface crazing and silvering. 2.75" x 4.5".

5. Black and white photograph with scalloped edges, pen-inscribed verso as: "Cpl. Morton Harris / March, 1944 / Baer Field, F. Wayne." Isolated silvering. Adhesive residue verso. 3.5" x 5".

Please see our terms and conditions for lots of five items or more.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest photo: 5.75" x 3.5"
  • Medium: Archive

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000