Defeats Truman”—a one-of-a-kind

Chicago Daily Tribune front page dual-signed by the 1948 presidential candidates

32. Harry S. Truman and Thomas E. Dewey Signed Newspaper. Incredibly rare front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune of November 3, 1948, 16.5 x 23.25, featuring the iconic banner headline “Dewey Defeats Truman,” signed below their respective surnames in black ink by the two candidates: “Truman hasn’t found it out, Harry S. Truman” and “Thomas E. Dewey.” Rolled and in very good to fine condition, with small areas of paper loss, and expertly reinforced via professional silking to both sides.

When the decision to print this paper was made, returns were coming in very slowly and time was running out before the deadline for the edition. The Tribune staff, based on the early returns, decided Dewey would be the next President. After the newspaper was delivered to the street, more returns came in and showed that Truman would in fact be reelected, winning the electoral vote with a 303-189-39 majority over Dewey and Dixiecrat candidate Strom Thurmond. Widely regarded as the most notorious journalistic blunder in the history of American newspapers, the ‘Dewey Defeats Truman’ front page holds a unique place amongst the long list of famous front page headlines. This example being signed by its two subjects can be chalked up as an inconceivably rare occurrence—this is the only Truman-Dewey dual-signed item we have ever encountered. Starting Bid $1000

33. Dwight D. Eisenhower Typed Letter Signed as President. TLS as president, one page, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, December 28, 1956. Letter to the Hon. Gerald D. Morgan, special counsel to the president. In part: “Another year—and our first Administration—draw simultaneously to a close. In retrospect it seems that 1956 has been marked by an unusual number of highlights and crises, all of which have been dealt with as best we could and, I think, as effectively as possible. In large part the credit belongs to you and to the intimate members of the White House staff. In particular I would like to mention all that you did during the 1956 political campaign... While I realize your efforts were motivated by a desire to see the program we had planned in the best interests of the American people carried forward to completion, nonetheless I am personally grateful for the long hours and disregard of self that was evident on the part of each member of the White House staff.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. Starting Bid $200

35. Jacqueline Kennedy Autograph Note Signed. ANS as first lady, penned on a 4.5 x 3.5 White House stationery card, no date. Brief letter to White House Chief Photographer Robert Knudsen, in full: “Who took so many wonderful pictures that gave the President such joy—with deep appreciation.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original envelope annotated by Kennedy. Starting Bid $200

34. Jacqueline Kennedy (3) Autograph Letters

Signed. Three ALSs from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sent to Meredeth Price, the house counselor of John F. Kennedy, Jr., during the latter’s tenure at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, from 1977 to 1980. The correspondence consists of three handwritten letters, two full and one partial (missing the first page), six total pages, signed either as “Jacqueline Onassis” or “Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.” Letter highlights:

July 13, 1977: “I think that the year ended on a pretty good note…it seems to me to have been a year of enormous growth for John. He has matured so much.”

August 6, 1978: “He certainly has grown up so much—and is so much happier in his shaky semi maturity…What pleases me most about John is that he no longer looks on figures of authority as his natural enemies, but now more as his allies.”

No date: “I hope that in his great relief, he won’t revert to his breezy ways. Please remind him for me, that though this makes life easier for him in one way, it makes it more difficult in another.” In overall fine condition, with some light creasing, and small smudges to two words on the last letter. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the son of the original recipient. Starting Bid $300