Description:

USS Indianapolis
various, ca. 1965
USS Indianapolis Photo Signed by 4 Survivors w/ FDC Signed by Rear Adm. Charles McVay, Haunting Disaster at Sea!
Archive
A souvenir pair consisting of a photograph and first-day cover signed by several survivors of the USS Indianapolis, including Charles McVay. The cover shows light toning and minor warping. With a pencil notation on the verso, else very fine. The photograph is in fine condition. Both pieces are boldly signed. Please see further details below.

Includes:

1. Signed Photograph of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. Measuring 10" x 8", New York, n.d. A black and white image of the ship, produced by the New York Shipbuilding Company. Signed in blue ink at the left side by four survivors: "Erwin F. Hensch", "Lyle M. Pasket", "Robert McGuiggan", and "Paul J. Murphy."

2. Signed First Day Cover. Measuring 6.5" x 3.75", Washington, D.C., dated April 1, 1965. An official First Day Cover celebrating the Crusade against Cancer. Signed at the top right "Chas. B. McVay III." Due to his early passing, McVay's signature is quite rare.

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis is considered one of the worst and most controversial tragedies of World War II. Unbeknownst to the officers and crew, the "Indy" undertook a top-secret mission to carry enriched uranium and other parts required to assemble the world's first nuclear weapon to scientists on Tinian Island. Following the delivery of these items on July 26, 1945, she went on to Guam, leaving there -- unescorted and alone -- on July 28 toward her rendezvous with the fleet in the Philippines.

At 0015 hours on July 30, the heavy cruiser was struck by two Japanese Type 95 torpedoes fired from the submarine I-58. The first torpedo blew the bow off of the ship, while the second struck nearly amidships near the powder magazine. The resulting explosion split the ship to the keel, knocking out all power and causing her to sink by the bow in just 12 minutes. Due to the mission's top-secret classification, the United States Navy command was not aware of the sinking until three and a half days later. Of the original crew of 1,195, 890 men managed to survive the explosion itself and were sent adrift, many without lifeboats, life jackets, or measurable supplies. A scant 316 would survive the four-day and five-night ordeal in open water, battling off shark attacks and enduring dehydration, desquamation, and delirium.

The tragedy would result in the court martial of Indianapolis's Captain Charles B. McVay III on the counts of failing to order his men to abandon the ship and hazarding the ship. He would later be exonerated because his superiors had not informed him that a Japanese sub was operating in the vicinity. McVay would return to active duty, but the subsequent guilt about the tragedy and personal blame expressed to him by some victims' families took its toll, and he committed suicide in 1968.

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"
  • 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 world-wide 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 that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, 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.

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