Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev Signed Photograph.

REAGAN, Ronald and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Item Number: 21073

Image of Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate. Signed by Ronald Reagan on the bottom right, “Mr. Gorbachev Tear Down This Wall! Ronald Reagan.” Additionally signed by Mikhail Gorbachev on the bottom left. The photograph features President Reagan, West German President Richard Von Weizacker, Chancellor Helmut Kohl,West Berlin Mayor Eberhard Deipgen, and other guests. Matted and framed. Entire piece measures 15 inches by 18 inches. The last photograph at auction brought $16,250.

Arriving in Berlin on June 12, 1987, President and Mrs. Reagan were taken to the Reichstag, where they viewed the wall from a balcony. Reagan then made his speech at the Brandenburg Gate at 2:00 pm, in front of two panes of bulletproof glass. Among the spectators were West German president Richard von Weizsäcker, Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and West Berlin mayor Eberhard Diepgen. In that speech Reagan said, "We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! A section of the wall mentioned in the speech. Later on in his speech, President Reagan said, "As I looked out a moment ago from the Reichstag, that embodiment of German unity, I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner, 'This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality.' Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom."