Harry and Bess Truman

Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of the Trumans waving from the steps of their private plane, the 'Sacred Cow,' signed neatly in fountain pen, "Harry S. Truman," and "Bess W. Truman," with the calligraphic notation "Christmas 1946" along the bottom. Includes the original “Christmas 1946” card from the Trumans. In fine condition. An estimated 575 of these coveted 1946 Christmas gift photographs were signed and given to the White House staff.

The recipient of this photo was George John Kargacos, an electrician’s mate in the U.S. Navy who served the Trumans on the Presidential yacht. Includes a presentation letter to Kargacos from President Truman (with preprinted signature), a newspaper clipping about Kargacos’s time with Truman, a letter of recommendation from Naval Commander William A. Bartos, and a discharge letter from James Forrestal (stamped signature).