Description:

Calvin Coolidge
Washington, DC, March 13, 1925
Calvin Coolidge Chinese Consul Appointment of Samuel Sokobin
Partially printed DS

Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933). Partially printed document signed, "Calvin Coolidge," appointing Samuel Sokobin a Consul of the United States at Harbin, China. 1p, matted to an overall size of 24" x 20" with an 18" x 14" sight, Washington, DC, March 13, 1925. Countersigned by Frank B. Kellogg as Secretary of State with an intact paper seal of the United States on the lower left. Page shows very light toning with a very small tear and crease to the scalloped edge of the paper seal, else very fine and beautifully signed.

The document reads in part:

"The President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents, Greeting: Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the abilities and integrity of Samuel Sokobin, a Consul of the United States of America, I do assign him as Consul of the United States of America at Harbin, China, for Harbin and its prescribed district; and do authorize and empower him to have and to hold the said office, and to exercise and enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities thereunto appertaining, during the pleasure of the President of the United States; and I do hereby enjoin all Captains, Masters, and Commanders of ships and other vessels, armed and unarmed, sailing under the flag of the United States, as well as all other of their citizens, to acknowledge and consider him the said Samuel Sokobin accordingly; and I do hereby pray and request the Government of China, its Governors and Officers to permit the said Samuel Sokobin fully and peaceably to enjoy and exercise the said office, without giving or suffering to be given unto him, any molestation or trouble, but, on the contrary, to afford him all proper countenance and assistance, I offering to do the same for all those who shall in like manner be recommended to me by the said Government."

Samuel Sokobin served as an American consular official to China from 1914 until 1940 and then from 1940 to 1941 was U.S. consul to Japan before being taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. After two years in a prisoner-of-war camp, he was the first American held by the Japanese to be released and repatriated during the war. Sokobin was also a translator, writer and collector of rare books in China.

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

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  • Dimensions: 24" x 20"
  • Medium: Partially printed DS

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