Description:

World War II
Various, ca. 1941-1943
Pearl Harbor (3) Radiograms: "This is no drill"; Plus War-Dated Pigeon Message From "a tired aviator"
Archive
A pair of two radiograms from the U.S. Naval Communication Service regarding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, dated December 7, 1941. Each measuring 8" x 6.5". The first, addressed to all ships "present in the Hawaiian area" the urgent message reads: "AIR RAID ON PERAL HARBOR X THIS IS NO DRILL". The second, addressed to "Pacific FLT" reads: "HOSTILITIES WITH JAPAN COMMENCE WITH AIR RAID ON PEARL". Clipped lower right corner to both, with scattered staining near top edge; two hole punched at top, slightly affecting header. Very good overall.

Together with a third radio communication from December 10th, regarding an enemy ship on the move. Reading in part: "…Search to distance fifty miles course two seven zero speed fifteen. Primary objective enemy carrier. If encountered concentrate attack as opportunity offers. Have available full boiler power…". Clipped lower right corner with uneven staining at top edge; moderate tearing to top right and top of left hole punch. Otherwise good condition.

Accompanied by an additional war-dated pigeon message, dated September 2, 1943. Identified at lower left as classified contents, the communication reads: "My problem today is how I am going to find nine dash five with solid fog up to 2000 feet if you know a way please send it to me soon. Thanking you for anything you can do signed a tired aviator". Uneven soiling, creasing, and light staining throughout; evidence of staple use near top right. Good condition overall.

Included in the lot are two pieces of war-related ephemera, comprising of a napkin from the Hotel St. Francis Cocktail Lounge, depicting a man holding his index finger to his lips with the words "No military information please!" printed below, and a cartoon card from the Park Avenue Club Lounge depicting Benito Mussolini as a chimpanzee, Adolf Hitler as a donkey, and Emperor Hirohito as a snake.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 8" x 10.5"
  • Medium: Archive

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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