The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

Lot comprised of approx. 112 silver gelatin photographs, 2 pieces of correspondence, and 3 occupied Japan banknotes collected by Corporal William H. Hobbs, Jr., an African-American serviceman stationed in Japan and then Guam.

Consists of approx. 112 photographs taken in Japan and Guam, ca 1945-1946, some inscribed on recto or verso, likely in the hand of Corporal Hobbs (approx. 3 1/2 x 5 in. or smaller), including: multiple views of Corporal Hobbs while stationed in Guam, mostly informal views of Hobbs relaxing with his fellow soldiers; multiple scenes documenting the aftermath of battle, including casualties; tanks and weaponry; multiple views of Okinawa and Tokyo, including MacArthur's Headquarters, landmarks, landscapes, and native subjects; multiple views of Guam, including images of the barracks, soldiers at work and at play, soldier cemeteries, native subjects, landmarks, and landscapes; and more. A few photos are inscribed by Corporal Hobbs ("Bill") and addressed to his wife Vashti.

[With:] 2 pieces of correspondence written from Okinawa by Corporal Hobbs to his wife in Newport News, Virginia, dated 22 November and 19 December 1945. -- 3 banknotes from occupied Japan in various denominations.