DALLAS, TX.- A album of negatives of images showing one of the most important moments in military history will be offered in Heritage Auctions' Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Auction June 7 in Dallas, Texas.

The Original Folder of Negatives Showing Japanese Surrender Aboard the U.S.S. Missouriis a leatherette binder containing large-format negatives, as well as one small-format example, in 19 individual sleeves (some of which contain two negatives), all dated Sept. 2, 1945. The negatives chronicle the ceremonies attendant upon the signing of the Instrument of Surrender by the Japanese representatives, formally ending World War II.

Shot by a Navy photographer, the selection includes at least 16 unique negatives, as well as five that appear to be duplicates and three that likely are too light to yield prints of the images.

"These negatives capture extraordinary images of one of the most significant events in military history," Heritage Auctions History Consignment Director Don Ackerman said. "There are other images of the signing, but there may not be any that offer this up-close view, from this angle, of such an important event. A few of the images have been published before, but many are unfamiliar, and would make a significant addition to a serious historical collection or library."

The images capture some of the most famous names in the conflict. Admiral Chester Nimitz and Gen. Douglas MacArthur are shown officiating the signing of the Instrument of Surrender. Also included are images showing Navy officers and midshipmen, aware of the significance of the ceremony, hanging over railings on the U.S.S. Missouri to witness the event.