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Lot 198:
Description
This archive documents the military service of Warrant Officer Richard Douro during the 1950s, specifically his tenure at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The lot comprises an assortment of vintage silver gelatin photographic prints and typewritten documents, many featuring personalized inscriptions and signatures from high-ranking military figures of the era.
Prominent items include a seated portrait photograph of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, inscribed in ink “For W.O. Richard Douro with best wishes Dwight D. Eisenhower SHAPE—1952”. Also present is a portrait of Field Marshal Montgomery signed “Montgomery of Alamein”. Other signed silver gelatin prints include portraits of General Alfred M. Gruenther (dated 1951), General Robert J. Wood (dated 1951), General C.V.R. Schuyler, and General Willis S. Matthews.
The collection includes a group photograph of senior SHAPE officers with multiple signatures on the lower margin, including General Lauris Norstad and General Alfred Gruenther. Accompanying the photographs are various official documents, such as a letter on White House stationery dated 30 December 1959, signed by Wilton B. Persons (Assistant to the President), and several SHAPE press release captions identifying senior officers and visiting dignitaries like Prince Albert of Belgium. The ephemera further includes travel orders and administrative correspondence related to W.O. Douro’s postings.
Condition report:
The collection is in good vintage condition overall. The silver gelatin prints show expected age-related toning and minor surface wear. Some prints exhibit silver mirroring in the darker areas, a common occurrence with mid-century photographic chemistry. The typewritten documents show minor creasing to the edges, light foxing, and occasional small tears at the margins consistent with age and handling. Several items are partially organized in a plastic sleeve binder.
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