WWWS – The Famous Photo of Lee Harvey Oswald Getting Shot

Shipping the Famous Photo of Lee Harvey Oswald Getting Shot by Jack Ruby: A Detailed Guide

Part 1: The Iconic Photograph and Its Historical Significance

Few moments in history have been immortalized with as much impact as the photograph of Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby, an image permanently etched into the consciousness of America during the turbulent 1960s. Taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Robert H. Jackson, this photograph captures the exact moment Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald on November 24, 1963, just two days after Oswald had been arrested for assassinating President John F. Kennedy. This striking black-and-white photograph not only documents an act of vigilante justice but also encapsulates the chaotic aftermath of JFK’s assassination. The photo freezes the dramatic, split-second moment when Ruby fired his revolver at Oswald in the basement of the Dallas Police Department, as law enforcement officers and bystanders reacted in horror. The image has since become one of the most widely recognized and analyzed photographs in American history, representing the height of Cold War-era conspiracy theories, political turmoil, and public distrust. Jackson’s photograph is iconic for its raw immediacy and artistic composition, which captures every detail—from the shocked expressions of law enforcement to Ruby’s raised gun interrupting what was supposed to be routine prisoner transport. It illustrates a moment in American history where tragedy, controversy, and politics collided, leaving questions that still linger today. With its direct connection to landmark events such as JFK’s assassination, this image has transcended journalism and become a symbolic artifact of the 20th century. The print being shipped, which originates from the original negative, is only the second such image ever produced. It was personally handled by Robert Jackson himself, who resides in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Valued at an estimated $20,000, this fragile and significant artwork deserves meticulous handling to ensure its safe delivery to a gallery where it will continue to inspire and educate future generations about one of the darkest chapters in American history. For further context on this iconic photo and the moment it captures, you can read the Wikipedia article on Jack Ruby Shooting Lee Harvey Oswald .

Part 2: The Art of Packing and Shipping a Priceless Historical Photograph

Shipping a $20,000 piece of history requires not only top-notch expertise but also a deep understanding of fine art shipping techniques. This unique artwork—composed of a framed glass-covered photograph—demands specialized materials and white-glove precision to protect it throughout transit. Every detail, from the photo’s fragile glass components to its historical value, must inform the shipping method to ensure it arrives safely.

Step 1: Protecting the Glass and Artwork

To safeguard the delicate glass covering the photograph, glass masking is essential. This technique involves:

• • Applying low-adhesive tape or film directly to the surface of the glass. This prevents shards from scattering and damaging the photo in the unlikely event of breakage.
  • Ensuring the tape or film leaves no residue behind to maintain the artwork’s pristine quality.

After glass masking, the frame and photo are carefully wrapped in soft polyfoam, which serves as the first layer of cushioning. ½-inch bubble wrap is then applied, wrapping the artwork with extra coverage around corners and edges, as these are the most vulnerable points during transport.

Step 2: Building a Secure Interior Packing System

Once pre-wrapped, the photograph is placed in a custom-sized shipping box engineered for maximum stability.

• • Padding and Stability: The box interior is lined with 1-inch thick Styrofoam sheets to provide shock absorption. Additionally, loose-fill packing materials—such as peanuts—are added to fill empty space. This ensures the photograph does not shift or collide with the walls of the box during handling.
  • Double Boxing (Optional): If additional security is required, the entire first box is encased in a second, slightly larger box. This creates a buffer zone that absorbs impacts and provides an added layer of safety for high-value shipments.

Step 3: Reinforcement and Labeling

The box is further reinforced with double-corrugated cardboard to withstand the rigors of transit. Heavy-duty packing tape seals all edges, preventing accidental openings. Clear and descriptive labels, such as “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE,” are affixed to every visible surface of the box. Given the value and historical significance of the photograph, adding a label like “THIS SIDE UP” and special handling instructions is critical.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Shipping Channel

For high-value shipments like this one, white-glove freight services or premium carriers with expertise in fragile and priceless artwork are a must. Some essential considerations include:

• • Tracking and Insurance: Full coverage insurance is purchased to protect the shipment’s monetary value. Tracking provides real-time updates to ensure accountability at every stage of transit.

Conclusion

Shipping the historic photo of Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby encapsulates the challenge of balancing precision logistics with the responsibility of preserving history. This photograph is more than art—it’s a window into one of America’s most infamous events, resting at the intersection of journalism, history, and culture. By implementing specialized packing techniques, selecting reliable shipping channels, and taking extra care at every step of the process, this priceless piece will arrive safely to its new location, ready to educate and captivate viewers for years to come. Packing and shipping such historical artifacts highlights the importance of professional expertise in handling the world’s most valuable and fragile items. At PakMail Colorado Springs, we treat every item like it’s a piece of history—because sometimes, it truly is.