Description:

WWII “V-J Day Kiss” Sailor & Nurse Pair of Letters

World War II. Autograph Letter Signed, “Carl S. Muscarello”, 1p, on ruled paper measuring 8.5” x 11”, n.p., March 8, 2000. Fine condition. Accompanied by an Autograph Letter Signed, “Edith”, 1p, on cream stationery measuring 8.5” x 11”, n.p., April 7, 1997. Small stain at verso, minor creasing, else fine condition.

Carl Muscarello (b. 1926) writes to an admirer named Arthur, happily autographing a photo and card for him. His letter, in part, “As you can see I was more than happy to sign the enclosed photo and index card you sent. Will you please send me the following information / Where did you buy the photo? How much did you pay for the photo? Was Ms. Shain’s signature on the photo when you purchased it or did you have her sign it after you purchased it. My reason for requesting the above information is that over the years I have given out thousands of autographed copies of the famous photo and never charged anyone for the photos. What I do ask and only if the person who does receive the photo to make a donation to several of my favorite charities.”

Edith Shain (1918-2010) also writes to an admirer, “Michael”, who has requested that she sign several photos. Her letter, in part, “I’m sorry these photographs didn’t reach in time for Christmas ’96 but there’s always next year…I’m delighted that you are going to share these with others.”

The subject of these letters is the iconic V-J Day photo snapped in Times Square on August 14, 1945, marking the end of World War II, showing a sailor kissing a nurse, the two engaged in a classic tango dip. Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt took the picture but neglected to get their names. For decades, George Mendonsa said he was the sailor in the photo, and Carl Muscarello insisted he was.

We’ll never truly know who the sailor was, no matter what Muscarello says, what Mendonsa said, or what others have insisted. And we’ll never truly know who the nurse was, although that list of candidates has been narrowed down to Greta Zimmer Friedman and Edith Shain. Shain, who died in 2010 at the age of 91, identified Muscarello as the man who arbitrarily kissed her, so it stands to reason that Muscarello says she was the woman in the photo. “The nurse identified me,” Muscarello says. “I said I am the sailor, and Edith said I am the sailor, and my mother said I am the sailor, and you don’t argue with my mother.” To this day, Muscarello tells anyone who will listen that he was the sailor in the photo.

***A copy of the iconic photo is shown here for reference only and is not included in this auction.

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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August 17, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
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