My opinion is that this is a plum of a photo group and considering the culturally significant subjects should be worth several times the opening bid or more. Accentuating the significance is the fact that we know who took them. The fact that he lived so long isn't directly important but it does add a bit of a mystic quality to them.

Prints are 4" x 5", nothing written on the back but looks more like gov't than commercial paper, don't bank on that, might have been self-printed. They are well taken (exposures not perfect but pretty decent), well printed and have lasted very well with no fading of the silvering. This set has great Japanese cultural appeal, I don't know that better subjects could have been chosen. Two shots of a surviving Shinto shrine, which also bring a mystic quality in that they survived initial bombing, and show ongoing respect of American GI's who chose to not desecrate the site. Another dignified scene is of the entrance to the Ourasaki Civilian Cemetery, and to bring the mood up and show a positive future, some young people.

Not much was found of the veteran who was there, well I didn't search greatly, but his date of birth and period of service match up nicely.

Don't pass this up, if you set up at shows and have Japanese customers this will stop every last one who walks near your booth and for that alone is worth the price.

"James Ellis Chambers, MSgt (Ret), entered rest on October 16, 2010 at the age of 101. He was born to Benjamin Ellis and Lelia Chambers on July 15, 1909 in Downsville, Texas. Mr. Chambers served honorably in the U.S. Army retiring after 24 years of service."