Colorful DS, signed 'Fidel Castro' in blue ink, one page, 11.75 x 16.5, July 26, 2001. A poster-like certificate issued in recognition of participation in the Brigadas Universitarias de Trabajo Social, issued to Michel Gonzalez Garcia. A few light creases and dings, otherwise fine condition.

Cuban revolutionary (born 1926) who overthrew the Batista dictatorship in 1959. With the nationalization of industry, confiscation of foreign property, and establishment of close ties to the Soviet Union, all under his regime, Cuba became one of the central players in Cold War geopolitics, most notably in the disastrous, U.S. sponsored Bay of Pigs Invasion and Cuban Missile Crisis of the 1960s. Following intestinal surgery from an undisclosed digestive illness believed to have been diverticulitis, he transferred his responsibilities to the First Vice President, his younger brother Raúl Castro, on July 31, 2006. On February 19, 2008, five days before his mandate was to expire, Fidel Castro announced he would neither seek nor accept a new term as either president or commander-in-chief, though he remains First Secretary of the Communist Party. At nearly five decades, Castro’s was the longest non-monarchial regime in history. Uncommon oversized color glossy 16 x 20 photo of the smiling Castro in uniform, signed near the bottom in blue felt tip "Fidel Castro, Abril 19, 96". According to the consignor, the photo was possibly intended to be presented to the head of the Communist Party of Cuba, but was never delivered. Scattered surface marks, dings and creases (a few to face and beard), otherwise very good to fine condition. Most unusual in signed photos of this size!

Cuban revolutionary (born 1926) who overthrew the Batista dictatorship in 1959. With the nationalization of industry, confiscation of foreign property, and establishment of close ties to the Soviet Union, all under his regime, Cuba became one of the central players in Cold War geopolitics, most notably in the disastrous, U.S. sponsored Bay of Pigs Invasion and Cuban Missile Crisis of the 1960s. Following intestinal surgery from an undisclosed digestive illness believed to have been diverticulitis, he transferred his responsibilities to the First Vice President, his younger brother Raúl Castro, on July 31, 2006. On February 19, 2008, five days before his mandate was to expire, Fidel Castro announced he would neither seek nor accept a new term as either president or commander-in-chief, though he remains First Secretary of the Communist Party. At nearly five decades, Castro’s was the longest non-monarchial regime in history. Pearl-finish 4x6'' photo of Castro picturing the famous dictator with a newspaper. Signed near the bottom in blue felt tip with dedication and dated August 1955. With some sivering to the image and lightly rounded corners, otherwise in near fine condition.

DS, in Spanish, one page, 11.75 x 16.5, July 26, 2001. An attractive, poster-like certificate of commendation on cardboard issued to Hassel Espinosa Illas in recognition for her participation in the 'Brigadas Universitarias de Trabajo Social'. In fine condition, with a noticeable vertical crease affecting opening stroke and paraph of signature.

Document signed, in Spanish, 1 page, 14x11", Republica de Cuba, Ministerio de Industrias letterhead, March 1962. Official Republic of Cuba Ministry of Industry document in red and black with embossed stamp in signature area. The right side of the document depicts a well-muscled worker bearing a banner reading "Produccion". The document is an Honorable mention for an outstanding performance by a machinery worker for the month of March 1962, he "has been selected for [his] endeavor in the increase of production." Signed as Minister of Industries "Che", overall creasing, toning and soling, a separation along a crease at the top border, three rusted paper clip impressions, file holes to left margin, several small separations repaired on the reverse. The "Anti-Communist Legion of the Caribbean" who was training in the Dominican Republic, a multi-national force comprised mostly of Spaniards and Cubans, but also of Croatians, Germans, Greeks, and right-wing mercenaries, were plotting to topple Fidel Castro. These developments prompted Castro to further clean house of "counter-revolutionaries", and appoint Guevara chief official at the National Institute of Agrarian Reform INRA and later President of the National Bank of Cuba BNC, while allowing him to retain his military rank. Although at first sight a strange choice for the important position, Guevara had been promoting the creation of self-sufficient industries since his days in the Sierra Maestra. Guevara was expecting the U.S. to invade, and the Cuban population to then leave the cities and fight as guerrillas, although Guevara's hopes for armed uprisings elsewhere were failing.