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Final Report of Gen. John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief American Expeditionary Forces (RARE, First Edition, Stamp From Congressman), 1920 📜🏛️🇺🇸

Name: Final Report of Gen. John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief American Expeditionary Forces (RARE, First Edition, Stamp From Congressman), 1920 📜🏛️🇺🇸
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 2750.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2,750.00

Sale Sold out

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare first edition of the Final Report of Gen. John J. Pershing, a cornerstone primary source on the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I.

Published in 1920 by the U.S. Government Printing Office, this book is an investment-grade artifact that serves as a firsthand account of the AEF's operations.

Its status as a first edition with unique provenance from the office of a U.S. Congressman makes it a premier acquisition for any serious collector of World War I history, military strategy, or presidential memorabilia. The congressional connection by Otis Wingo further elevates its status dramatically.

The book is far more than a simple report; it is a meticulous historical document that provides an unparalleled window into the strategic decisions and logistical challenges of The Great War.

For the discerning collector of rare books, this item offers a non-replicable asset, holding both intellectual and material value. It serves as a physical witness to a pivotal moment in American military history, told by the man who led the forces.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Final Report is General John J. Pershing's official account of the American military's role in World War I. The book's content details the organization, training, and deployment of the AEF, as well as the major battles and strategic decisions of the war.

The report provides a wealth of statistical data, maps, and illustrations, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and historians.

The book is an essential primary source for any scholar or dedicated reader of military history. It is a work that captures the lived experience of a man who was a central figure in some of the most important moments in modern American history.

It is a vital contribution to military history and a document that helped to shape the national conversation about military strategy and technology. Its historical and academic value is immense, making it a must-have for any serious collector of military or World War I history.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (1860–1948) was a senior United States Army officer who served as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front during World War I. Pershing was a towering figure in American military history, known for his leadership, his strategic vision, and his commitment to professionalism.

He was the only American to be promoted in his own lifetime to General of the Armies of the United States, the highest possible rank in the U.S. Army.

Pershing’s career spanned more than four decades, and he served in numerous conflicts, including the Spanish-American War and the Philippine–American War. His leadership in World War I was a major factor in the Allied victory, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important military figures in American history.

About Congressman Otis Wingo ✍️🏛️🇺🇸

Otis Theodore Wingo (1877-1930) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Arkansas's 4th congressional district from 1913 until his death in 1930.

As a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Wingo's tenure in Washington coincided with a pivotal era in American history, including World War I and the subsequent post-war demobilization. Wingo was a respected voice on issues of currency reform and flood control, and he served on the powerful Banking and Currency Committee.

During World War I, he was a member of the Committee on Expenditures of the War Department. His office often received and distributed important government publications, including official military reports, as a service to his constituents and to a nation hungry for information.

He was also known for sponsoring legislation to establish the Arkansas State Normal School, which later became the University of Central Arkansas. His career reflects a dedication to public service and a commitment to representing the interests of his constituents on the national stage. After his death, his wife, Effiegene Wingo, was elected to serve his unexpired term, making her the first woman to represent Arkansas in Congress.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

The book’s publication in 1920 places it in the immediate aftermath of World War I, a period of immense social and political change in the United States and Europe. The book documents a period when the nation was grappling with the legacy of the war and the role of the United States on the world stage.

Pershing's report, with its candid and honest portrayal of the war, was a powerful statement for its time. His analysis helped shape military doctrine for decades, making this volume a tangible record of a turning point in American military and political thought.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a curator of World War I history, a scholar of American military strategy, or an expert private collector of military artifacts and political memorabilia.

The volume's unique provenance from a U.S. Congressman's office speaks to a collector who seeks to own a definitive document from a specific period.

This is an artifact for a collector who seeks items that are both intellectually significant and emotionally resonant. Its presence on a shelf would signal a deep-seated interest in the true history of the American military and World War I events.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1920 first edition is an exceedingly rare find, and its value is overwhelmingly driven by its historical importance. The scarcity of a copy with unique provenance is a key factor in its value, as many were not stamped by Otis T. Wingo's office. The book is a non-replicable asset, holding value that far exceeds that of a standard printing.

The price is a direct reflection of its scarcity and its documented place in the history of World War I. Finding a copy in good condition is a significant challenge.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a genuine and handsome survivor, showing authentic wear consistent with a book from the early 20th century.

The binding shows some discoloration and wear, particularly along the spine and edges.
The interior is in good condition, with a firm and sound text block.
The pages are free of major tears or markings. There is some minor foxing, small rips, and toning to the illustration map pages, which is a natural process for paper from this period.
The overall condition is truly remarkable for a volume that is over 100 years old.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book contains a unique stamp that provides a direct and personal connection to the item's history. This element transforms the volume from a collectible book into a singular historical artifact. The stamp is found on the title page. The inscription reads:

FINAL REPORT OF GEN. JOHN J. PERSHING / Presented by / Otis T. Wingo, M.C. / WASHINGTON / GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE / 1920

The stamp confirms the book was a presentation copy from U.S. Representative Otis T. Wingo, who served in Congress during World War I. Wingo was a respected voice on issues of currency reform and flood control, and his office often received and distributed important government publications, including official military reports, as a service to his constituents.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

General Pershing was a founding father of both the United States Military Police Corps and the U.S. Army Band, which is nicknamed "Pershing's Own".
He was a mentor to many of the American generals who would later lead the U.S. Army in World War II, including George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur.
Pershing and his troops were involved in the suppression of the final uprisings of the Lakota (Sioux) Indians, fighting three days after the Wounded Knee Massacre.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in the Philippine-American War.
Pershing was nicknamed "Black Jack" due to his strictness and his command of a "Buffalo Soldier" regiment.