October 24, 2013
Boston, Massachusetts
Years after Dallas
LIVE AUCTION
How to BID BID IN PERSON Attend the auction Thursday, October 24 and bid live! The auction will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108, and starts promptly at 12 PM ET. You may fill out an absentee bid form onsite if you are unable to stay for the entire sale.
BID BY INTERNET Thursday, October 17 - Wednesday, October 23 Visit www.RRAuction.com to place bids on lots before the live auction begins. Pre-live auction bidding will close at 12:30 PM ET, October 23. Thursday, October 24 Live bidding begins at www.RRAuction.com at 12 PM ET.
BID BY PHONE Please call our office should you wish to arrange a live phone bid for the day of the auction. Absentee phone bids can be made by calling our office at (603) 732–4280 up to 12:30 PM ET on Wednesday, October 23.
BID BY EMAIL You can email your bids to Stacey Jordan (Stacey. Jordan@RRAuction.com). Please list lot numbers and bids in columns. Include your name, address, and phone number as well as a statement that you accept the Terms and Conditions of the auction. Emails will be accepted up to 24 hours before the live auction.
AUCTION Schedule
Live Auction
October 24, 2013 • 12 pM T . he live auction will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
Auction Preview
october 22, 2013 • 10 AM - 4 pm october 23, 2013 • 10 AM - 4 pm The auction preview will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
Auction preview will also be available in our offices by appointment only at RR Auction.
Online Bidding
October 17 - 23, 2013 • 12:30 PM
Visit www.RRAuction.com starting October 17 to place bids on lots before the live auction begins. Pre-live auction bidding will close at 12:30 PM ET, October 23.
October 24, 2013 • 12 PM Visit www.RRAuction.com at 12 PM ET to watch and place bids live against floor bids.
.* See back of catalog for the auction Terms & Conditions
RR
Auction has assembled the most extensive JFK auction in recent memory, expertly weaving together the tale of one of our nation’s greatest presidents, fifty years after his tragic
assassination in Dallas. Beginning with the 1,000 days of Camelot and his earlier years as senator, transitioning to the assassination and storied lone gunman Lee Harvey Oswald, we finally come full circle with Kennedy’s funeral and memorial. Offering an incredible collection of museum-quality items relating to John F. Kennedy, his celebrated family, and the tragedy of November 22, 1963, our auction will feature such extraordinary pieces as Kennedy’s personal engraved rosary, displaying the wear of constant use; a pair of JFK’s seldom-seen personally-owned and -worn prescription glasses; a 1963 Lincoln Continental used by the couple on their way to Dallas; the controversial 6th Floor Window from the Texas Book Depository; and Lee Harvey Oswald’s wedding ring, accompanied by a fascinating five-page letter from his widow revealing the ring’s history. Enjoy a rare opportunity to view all of these highlights and more in person at the Boston Omni Parker House, and online at RRAuction.com, in the largest JFK-themed auction of the year. A portion of the proceeds with be donated to The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in honor of fallen Dallas Officer J.D. Tippit.
CONTENTS The 1,000-days of camelot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The making of a president. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 camelot comes to texas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 the suspect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 the arrest & investigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 the end of camelot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Jack ruby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 the funeral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 the commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 the spy who fell to earth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 TERMS & CONDiTIONs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 MA/Lic. #3214
Bob Eaton owner, acquisitions bob.eaton@rrauction.com Carla Eaton NH Auctioneer License #3029 Bill White lead authenticator bill.white@rrauction.com Mandy Eaton-Casey chief financial officer amanda.casey@rrauction.com Elizebeth Otto consignment manager elizebeth.otto@rrauction.com Bobby Livingston vice president, public relations bobby.livingston@rrauction.com Tricia Eaton specialty auction manager tricia.eaton@rrauction.com Bobby Eaton vice president of operations bobby.eaton@rrauction.com Mike Nelson senior catalog writer mike.nelson@rrauction.com Dan McCarthy catalog writer dan.mccarthy@rrauction.com Jon Siefken consignment director jon.siefken@RRAuction.com Elizabeth Higginbotham account executive elizabeth.higginbotham@rrauction.com Erika Rosenfeld inventory processing, researcher erika.rosenfeld@rrauction.com Tyler Labrie inventory assistant tyler.labrie@rrauction.com
auction consultants JFK HISTORICAL CONSULTANTS Jerry Wallace Dave Perry Raleigh DeGeer Amyx
HANDWRITING EXPERTS Bill White: Lead Authenticator, RR Auction Bob Eaton: Authenticator RR Auction and PSA/DNA Tricia Eaton: Authenticator RR Auction John Reznikoff: University Archives
Adam Karr shipping supervisor shipping@rrauction.com Stacey Jordan customer service stacey.jordan@rrauction.com Sarina Carlo art director sarina.carlo@rrauction.com Annie Nichols junior art director annie.nichols@rrauction.com Linda Immerman acquisitions assistant linda.immerman@rrauction.com Robert S. Eaton Sr. 1940–2001
FIREARM EXPERT John Howard
The 1,000-days of
Camelot
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Oversized portrait
presented to his New Zealand ambassador and old navy friend 1
John F. Kennedy
1960 Signed Photograph STARTING BID $500
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intage matte-finish 11 x 14 Alfred Eisenstaedt portrait of Kennedy taken after being nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate in August of 1960, signed and inscribed in the bottom border in fountain pen, “For Tony Akers, with confidence and high esteem from his friend, John F. Kennedy.” Matted to an overall size of 12.25 x 15.25. Small areas of emulsion loss along bottom edge, impinging on the very
bottoms of a couple letters of signature, and a few light creases, otherwise fine condition. Akers was an old Navy acquaintance of Kennedy’s, and during the 1960 presidential campaign he served as chairman of Kennedy’s New York campaign. Kennedy won New York, and soon after becoming president named Anthony Akers as the ambassador to New Zealand.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
A handsome photo marking publisher
Matthew Culligan’s 1962 visit to the White House 2
John F. Kennedy
1962 Signed Photograph STARTING BID $1,000
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intage official semi-glossy 9.75 x 12.25 photo of Kennedy sitting in his favorite seat in the Oval Office, his stiff-backed rocking chair, as he engages in conversation with publisher Matthew Culligan, signed and inscribed in black ink, “For Matthew Culligan, with esteem and warm regards, John F. Kennedy.” Photo is affixed to its original 12 x 17 mount and beautifully suede-matted and framed with archival materials to an overall size of 19.5 x 22.5. In fine condition.
HISTORY When Matthew Culligan became president and COO of the Curtis Publishing Company in 1962—responsible for the publication of the Saturday Evening Post and Ladies’ Home Journal, among other things—he faced the challenge of revitalizing the public’s interest in periodicals at a time when television reigned. To raise revenue, Culligan toured the country visiting corporate leaders, and asked President John F. Kennedy to provide him with anecdotes to use in pitches. This photo captures that meeting with wonderful charm, as the two casually chat in the Oval Office.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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An extraordinary photo
of the fedora-donned president from the walls of Labor leader and Hatters’ Union president Alex Rose
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John F. Kennedy
1963 Signed Photograph STARTING BID $500
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intage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of Kennedy wearing a seldomseen fedora, walking on an airport tarmac with his joint chiefs, a Marine Corps helicopter in the background, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Alex Rose, with best regards from his friend, John F. Kennedy.” Written in the lower right corner in an unknown hand is the date, “April 24, 1963.” In fine condition, with a few scattered light surface creases and an old tape remnant along top edge of reverse.
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HISTORY In the months leading up to the 1960 Democratic Convention, Kennedy gained the support of the powerful liberal-labor alliance, largely influenced by Alex Rose—co-founder of the American Labor Party and vice-chairman of the Liberal Party of New York. After securing the nomination in large part due to their contributions, Kennedy continued to consult with them but often disregarded their recommendations. As the party’s power was beginning to slip, so to was Rose’s other focus: hats. President of the Hatters’ Union since 1950, he kept an office lined with pictures of himself in tandem with the famous, ‘all of whom are wearing hats,’ according to a 1969 New York magazine article. Included on that wall was the photo offered here, showing a rarely capped Kennedy walking alongside his Joint Chiefs. While past generations saw the hat as a sign of reaching manhood, Kennedy was part of a new generation that considered them old-fashioned (and incredibly uncomfortable)—and so, when he took the stage to give his famous ‘Ask not what your country can do for you’ speech after winning the presidential election with the support of Rose’s party, he did it hatless. A remarkable piece, with incredible personal association to one of New York’s most powerful party leaders as the shape—and fashion—of the Democratic party met a new generation.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Fantastic photo capturing JFK signing a bill in September of 1963
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John F. Kennedy
1963 Signed Photograph STARTING BID $500
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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intage glossy 10 x 8 press photo of Kennedy at his desk in the Oval Office, ceremonial pens at his side, surrounded by a throng of politicians, signed and inscribed in fountain pen as president, “For Dale Levinson—I hope to see you soon, John Kennedy.” In fine condition. This photo was taken on September 24, 1963, as Kennedy was signing a bill to aid medical education. A wonderful photo that captures the essence of the office of the president, as Kennedy signs a bill into law with those who shaped it standing by with pride.
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John F. Kennedy
1961 Typed Letter Signed STARTING BID $500 TLS as president, one page, 5.5 x 8.5, White House letterhead, October 5, 1961. Letter of thanks to Jack Landau. In full: “The performance of Shakespeare last evening in the White House was a very exciting one from many points of view. Mrs. Kennedy and I appreciate so much of your fine efforts
“The performance of Shakespeare last evening in the White House was a very exciting one” in directing the production, and I hope you will express my thanks to the actors, actresses, and technicians who worked so hard to make it the success it was. We were very proud of our American theater last night, and thank you again for everything you did to make it a memorable performance.” Double-matted and framed with a color portrait of Kennedy to an overall size of 21.25 x 16. In fine condition. The performance referenced in the letter was done in conjunction with a state dinner for Sudanese President Ferik Ibrahim Abboud. Landau directed a series of excerpts from Shakespeare’s works done in an American key.
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John F. Kennedy
1962 Typed Letter Signed STARTING BID $500 TLS as president signed “John Kennedy,” two pages, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, January 5, 1962. Letter to Stuart List, publisher of Chicago’s American. In part: “It is with pleasure that I send congratulations to Chicago’s American on the dedication of its new building. This structure, and the modern plant it houses is eloquent testimony to the strength and prosperity of our free press. We can all feel pride in the skill, intelligence and resourcefulness of the publishers, writers, editors, and the many thousands who are responsible for producing our nation’s newspapers each day. With the vast freedom enjoyed by the press of this country has come a great responsibility to the public, a responsibility which cannot be minimized. To carry out this responsibility, the press must constantly exert every effort to present to the American people full and factual information. The history of our nation is a tribute to an informed citizenry—one which is capable of making rapid strides in progress at home and able to rally in times of world crises. The complexity of world problems today makes it imperative that we are well informed and understand our role in world affairs. I am grateful to Chicago’s American for the role it has played in helping to inform the people.” In fine condition, with mild edge toning from previous display. An eloquent letter in which Kennedy praises the American tradition of free press as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Interestingly, another press outlet—Time magazine—named JFK ‘Man of the Year’ on this very day.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Very rare John & Robert Kennedy
joint-signed judicial appointment 7
John and Robert Kennedy
1962 Joint-signed Judicial Appointment STARTING BID $1,000
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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artly-printed DS, signed “John F. Kennedy,” as president, and “Robert F. Kennedy,” as attorney general, one page, 20 x 16, June 11, 1962. President Kennedy appoints Thomas D. Quinn a “Judge of the Municipal Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.” Signed at the conclusion by John F. Kennedy and countersigned by Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Document is affixed to an identical size board and is in fine condition, with a few spots of scattered light foxing and faint staining along edges. The gold foil seal is crisp and intact. Only three Kennedy double-signed documents have come to auction over the last decade, with all three being presidential pardons. The same day that Kennedy signed this appointment, he gave the commencement speech at Yale University, where he was awarded an honorary degree. In his speech, he acknowledged global insecurity, which would soon come to the forefront as the Cuban Missle Crisis took shape later that year.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
“
Through hot wars and cold, through recession and prosperity, through the ages of the atom and outer space, the American people have never faltered and their faith has never flagged 8
John F. Kennedy
1963 Signed State of the Union Typed Manuscript STARTING BID $1,000
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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ncredibly rare signed manuscript of Kennendy’s third and final State of the Union address, given on January 14, 1963, on 17 pages of legal-size 8.5 x 14 White House watermarked paper. Kennedy’s final State of the Union address was quite memorable as he touched upon the nation’s economy and several areas of foreign policy, including Cuba, China’s invasion of India, West Berlin, and Vietnam. In part: “I can report to you that the state of this old but youthful Union, in the 175th year of its life, is good. At home, the recession is behind us. Well over a million more men and women are working today than were working 2 years ago. The average factory work week is once again more than 40 hours; our industries are turning out more goods than ever before; and more than half of the manufacturing capacity that lay silent and wasted 100 weeks ago is humming with activity. In short, both at home and abroad, there may now be a temptation to relax. For the road has been long, the burden heavy, and the pace consistently urgent. But we cannot be satisfied to rest here. This is the side of the hill, not the top. The mere absence of war is not peace. The mere absence of recession is not growth. We have made a beginning—but we have only begun…Through hot wars and cold, through recession and prosperity, through the ages of the atom and outer space, the American people have never faltered and their faith has never flagged. If at times our actions seem to make life difficult for others, it is only because history has made life difficult for us all…I think these are proud and memorable days in the cause of peace and freedom. We are proud, for example, of Major Rudolf Anderson who gave his life over the island of Cuba. We salute Specialist James Allen Johnson who died on the border of South Korea. We pay honor to
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Sergeant Gerald Pendell who was killed in Viet-Nam. They are among the many who in this century, far from home, have died for our country. Our task now, and the task of all Americans is to live up to their commitment.” Signed on the final page in black ink, “John F. Kennedy.” In fine condition, with a staple hole to top right corner of each page.
HISTORY On January 14, 1963, President Kennedy stood before a joint session of the US Congress to deliver his third, and what would become his final, State of the Union address. Memorable in its tone of confidence in both the nation’s domestic prospects and its foreign policy, the address highlighted recent achievements—a decrease in unemployment and an increase in industry, the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and easing tensions with Vietnam, among others—but warned against the continuing threat of Communist nations. Discussing tensions within the Communist bloc, he warns, “hope must be tempered with caution. For the Soviet-Chinese disagreement is over means, not ends. A dispute over how best to bury the free world is no grounds for Western rejoicing.” Remembering those who gave their lives in Cuba, South Korea, and Vietnam, he proclaims, “difficult days need not be dark. I think these are proud and memorable days in the cause of peace and freedom,” and ends his address with a note of hope. While signed copies of the press release for this memorable address can be found at auction from time to time, this official White House release, holding the watermarked presidential seal, is of the utmost rarity. A pristine and highly desirable piece from a historic moment.
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Beautiful copy of the first lady’s personally overseen Historic Guide to the White House,
signed by the presidential couple to a longtime, devoted staff member 9
John and Jacqueline Kennedy
1962 Signed Book STARTING BID $500
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igned book: The White House. Special limited edition of 75 copies (this being No. 33a). Washington, DC: White House Historical Association, 1962. Red leather hardcover with “MF” at bottom right, 7.25 x 10.25, 130 pages. Signed and inscribed on the colophon, “For Mike Feldman, with warm personal regards, John F. Kennedy,” and “Jacqueline Kennedy,” with John adding, “Christmas 1962,” under his wife’s signature. Autographic condition: fine, with a couple of light brushes to Jacqueline’s signature. Book condition: VG+/None.
HISTORY During their official Christmas party, held on December 12, 1962, President and Mrs. Kennedy presented each member of the Kennedy administration with a stunning, red leather-bound copy of the Executive Mansion’s story, the publication of which was overseen by the first lady as part of her restoration and preservation of the White House. This copy, inscribed, “with warm personal regards” to “Mike” Feldman, undoubtedly held much deeper regards than could be conveyed through these four words
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inside a book cover. Myer (“Mike”) Feldman began working closely with Kennedy in 1957 as a legislative assistant, and had found his place as a close confidante by the time the Senator earned the Democratic nomination for the 1960 presidential election. He played a crucial role in Kennedy’s success, heading the research team that maintained ‘Nixopedia,’ a compendium of Nixon’s every utterance, vote, and potential weakness that would help during crucial debates with their Republican opponent. After Kennedy’s election, Feldman remained by his side, serving as deputy special counsel to the president, writing speeches, working on trade matters and legislative issues, and serving as White House liaison to several Cabinet officials. He also provided invaluable insight into the American Jewish community and Israel’s emerging nuclear arms program. A gorgeous book centered on one of Jacqueline Kennedy’s most memorable contributions during her time as first lady, made exponentially more desirable by its inscription to a close friend and loyal staff member to the president through the most important years of his career.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Three months after the Cuban missile crisis, President Kennedy bolsters America’s civil defense
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John F. Kennedy
1963 Typed Letter Signed STARTING BID $500
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LS as president, one page, 7 x 10, White House letterhead, January 26, 1963. Letter to California Governor Edmund Brown. In full: “I certainly agree with the thought of your letter of January 11 as to the wisdom of the Federalstate collaboration in planning for emergency and post attack operations. The Secretary of Defense has been asked to evaluate the staff study prepared by your task force, and to communicate directly with you concerning technical and procedural matters involved, as well as to advise me further concerning Department of Defense findings. I appreciate your interest in the Administration’s efforts to advance the civil defense program.” Impressively matted and framed with two portraits of Kennedy, a patch of the presidential seal, and two large commemorative plates, one being a goldinlaid, sterling silver portrait plate issued in a limited edition by the Franklin Mint in the early-to-mid 1970s, to an overall size of 37.75 x 29. A couple of horizontal folds lightly passing through portions of signature, staple holes to top left, two office stamps and several passages of text underlined in red, otherwise fine condition. Oversized.
HISTORY Shortly after taking office in 1961, President Kennedy created the Office of Civil Defense to oversee the nation’s nonmilitary defense programs. Narrowly avoiding nuclear conflict in the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy assigned the OCD the enormous task of managing the Community Fallout Shelter Program. Though many members of Congress felt that the Federal government was overstepping its bounds into individual states' responsibilities, the program moved forward, creating a network of concrete-lined underground fallout shelters sufficient to serve as a refuge for millions of people in case of nuclear war. An excellent letter in response to California Governor Edmund Brown’s contribution for his state’s participation in the Shelter Program, involving one of Kennedy’s fastest moving projects, designed to help set his country at ease despite the ever-present threats of the Soviet Union.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Arranging a luncheon for the Kennedy family priest 11
John F. Kennedy
Autograph Note Signed STARTING BID $200 ANS signed “Jack,” one page, 6.25 x 5.75, no date. Note to friend and confidante Dave Powers. In full: “Remind me after the first of the year about arranging Father Cavanaugh’s luncheon—and also getting hold of young Grozier at Georgetown.” In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold resulting in some brushing to ink on left side. Father Cavanaugh was the personal priest of the Kennedy family and a longtime friend of Joe Kennedy.
Incredibly rare 1963 White House
Christmas card
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John and Jacqueline Kennedy
1963 Signed Christmas Card STARTING BID $1,000
Rare official White House Christmas card from 1963, measuring 4.5 x 6.5 closed, picturing a color image of the Creche in the East Room on the front. Card opens to a size of 9 x 6.5, with an embossed seal at the top and a pre-printed sentiment that reads, “With our wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year,” and signed below the sentiment in black ink by John Kennedy and in blue ink by Jacqueline Kennedy. In fine, clean condition. Two variations of these cards were ordered, some with “Blessed Christmas” omitted, and many with facsimile signatures. Kennedy returned to Washington on the evening of November 18 from a trip to Florida. Sometime between his return and the evening of the 20th, both the president and first lady began to sign the cards at their leisure, but none were ever sent. These dual-signed cards were relatively unknown, even to the Kennedy Library, until the mid-1980s.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Incredibly significant appointment of Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. as
US Ambassador to Vietnam
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John F. Kennedy
1963 Signed Appointment of Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., as Ambassador to Vietnam
STARTING BID $1,000
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artly-printed DS as president, one page, 15.25 x 11.5, August 1, 1963. President Kennedy appoints Henry Cabot Lodge “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Viet-Nam authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or Office.” Nicely signed at the conclusion by Kennedy and countersigned by Secretary of State Dean Rusk. In fine condition, with some mild toning and foxing around edges. The large paper seal is toned, but intact and crisp.
HISTORY After losing the 1952 Massachusetts senatorial election to Congressman Kennedy, Lodge was named ambassador to the United Nations, a position that he held for seven years—a record length of service as such— before resigning to run as Nixon’s vicepresidential candidate in the 1960 election. Suffering another tough loss, Lodge held a
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
non-governmental position with the Atlantic Institute until President Kennedy called him back to Washington to serve as the US Ambassador to South Vietnam—a crucial position, as US involvement escalated there. With his extensive experience in international relations, Kennedy’s former political opponent was quick to take action, determining that Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem was the key figure in his country’s troubles. On orders from the Kennedy administration, Lodge had conveyed to the South Vietnamese opposition that the United States would not thwart any proposed coup. Diem was overthrown and eventually assassinated during a coup by opposition South Vietnamese generals beginning on November 1, 1963, sparking a rapid succession of leaders, increased political instability in the South, and a surge of violence from the Viet Cong. Selecting his rival to serve this ambassadorship at such a critical time in Vietnam’s history, this is an incredibly important appointment.
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Pen presented to Hubert Humphrey after signing the Peace Corps Act into law
1961
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John F. Kennedy’s
Pen Used to Sign the 1961 Peace Corps Act
STARTING BID $1,000
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residential Lucite and black plastic Esterbrook fountain pen measuring 6” long, with “The President—The White House,” printed on the clear portion of the pen. Pen comes with its original cardboard box which is labeled in blue ink, “Humphry” [sic], along with “HR7500 87293 P.L.,” the identification numbers assigned to the bill and law, all most likely done in a White House employee’s hand. Pen was originally housed in the collection of William H. Perkins, Jr. Perkins served on Presidential Inaugural Committees in 1961, 1965, 1969, and 1973. He was a lifelong lobbyist, first for Continental Casualty where he arranged the insurance coverage for President Kennedy’s inauguration. In 1964, he was appointed by President Johnson as a member of the National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Institution; he was reappointed by Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
Also included is a TLS, signed as president, one page, 6.5 x 8.5, White House letterhead, April 23, 1962. Letter to Rt. Rev. Msgr. William J. Murphy of Saint Joseph’s Church reads, in full: “It gives me great pleasure to send hearty greetings to you and through you to the members of Saint Joseph’s Church as you celebrate the centennial of its founding. I note that by a happy coincidence this, also, marks the 40th anniversary of your ordination. In sending best wishes to the congregation and to you, may I express the hope that all the fine things accomplished during the past may be but a forerunner of nobler achievements in the future.” Both the pen and letter are nicely cloth-matted and framed with a portrait of Kennedy to an overall size of 25.25 x 20. In fine condition. After first introducing the bill to create the Peace Corps in 1957, Humphrey played a key role in pushing Kennedy’s bill through the Senate; this pen is an exceptional token of appreciation from the president for his persistence.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Pen used to sign the Mental Retardation Planning Bill in late October of 1963 16
John F. Kennedy’s
Pen Used to Sign the 1963 Child and Mental Health Bill
STARTING BID $1,000
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ountain pen used by President Kennedy to sign the Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Bill. Presidential Lucite and black plastic Esterbrook fountain pen measures 6˝ long has "The President— The White House,” printed on the clear portion of the pen, and still retains some ink on the nib. Pen comes with a cardboard box which is labeled in an unknown hand, "#1576, Pen actually used by Kennedy.” Attractively matted and framed with a descriptive plaque and a photo of Kennedy presenting a pen to Ethel at the signing to an overall size of 16 x 19. This pen was used by Kennedy in the Cabinet Room of the White House as a bill signing ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on October 24, 1963. One of several pens used that day to sign the bill, this pen was presented to Mr. John G. Fettinger, president of the National Association for Retarded Children. Pen is accompanied by a second-generation photo from the bill signing ceremony, with the president being handed one of the pens by his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, with Fettinger, his wife, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and others in the background. Also included are Fettinger’s official White House invitation to the bill signing, as well as its original envelope. Several other photos of Kennedy speaking on the subject, with Fettinger seated by his side, as well as several other pieces of correspondence to Fettinger from the Kennedy family, as well as Lyndon Johnson, all bearing printed signatures. According to the JFK Library, this was the second or third to last bill-signing ceremony of Kennedy’s presidency, and one which was no doubt very close to his heart as mental handicap research and treatment were a personal issue for the family due in part to his sister Rosemary’s affliction.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Very rare set of eyeglasses from all three Kennedy brothers from the distinguished Raleigh DeGeer Amyx collection
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John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy’s
Set of Three Owned and Worn PresidentialEra Glasses STARTING BID $10,000
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hree sets of personallyowned and -worn eyeglasses from John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy. A pair of prescription eyeglasses used by John F. Kennedy during his presidency, originally acquired by Inspector Floyd Boring, the Secret Service agent in charge of the White House detail, at the time of President Kennedy’s assassination. Boring often accompanied the president and had Kennedy’s glasses in his possession when he traveled to Tampa, Florida with him just three days before the assassinaJFK sits in the Oval Office with tion. The brown horn-rimmed glasses atop his auburn hair prescription glasses are marked “Universal” inside the frame along with several numbers. The ends of both ear stems also bear teeth marks of Kennedy from having been chewed on by JFK. Impressively framed with hand-wrapped blue suede matting, an informational plaque, and a color portrait of Kennedy sailing, to an overall size of 22 x 14. Accompanied by a handwritten letter of provenance
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
from Inspector Floyd Boring to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, dated November 22, 1982 and written on Secret Service stationery, which reads, in part: “It pleases me to present to you the personal glasses owned and worn by President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. These are brown hornrimmed glasses with…teeth marks on both ends of the ear stems…It was normal for him to remove his glasses during serious conversations and bite the ends…Many times I would have been in the company of the President. It was his nature not to carry personal items in his pockets. The President knew that he would be photographed frequently and did not like to be photographed wearing glasses or having his pockets full or hands encumbered. Accordingly, I was asked to carry his glasses, some cash, and his speeches…At the time of the President’s death the glasses were in my possession. No one ever asked about them. I have kept and cared for them over these years.” Letter additionally covers JFK’s appropriate eyeglass prescription. Also included are two photos of Kennedy with these glasses, a photo of Secret Service Agent Boring holding the JFK glasses before presenting them to Amyx, and a letter to Amyx from Dr. John Lattimer, renowned JFK and Lincoln assassination historian, requesting a pair of JFK glasses with teethmarks. Robert F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn eyeglasses. Light brown frame prescription reading eyeglasses, marked “Universal” on the frame, originally acquired by an upstairs maid from the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, and later given to optician Dr. Gerald Steinberg. The glasses are handsomely framed with rust-colored hand-wrapped suede matting, a portrait of Kennedy at work, while wearing the glasses, and a small name plaque to an overall size of 22 x 14. The right eyewire may be cracked at the upper right temple. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Steinberg to Amyx, dated November 20, 1982, which reads, in part: “They were presented to me as Curator in 1975 by Mrs. Sullivan (indirectly), the Kennedy Compound Upstairs maid…Because the Attorney General had the eyeglasses replaced with an updated pair, these were thrown out in the trash and Mrs. Sullivan was
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
kind enough to preserve them for posterity.” Also included is a letter of provenance from Amyx, dated September 20, 1982, which states: “These eyeglasses were owned and worn by Robert Francis Kennedy while he was Attorney General of the United States…I purchased the RFK eyeglasses from Dr. Gerald J. Steinberg…he was the Curator from 1964-1977 of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Museum. The RFK glasses were presented to Dr. Steinberg, in 1975, while he was Curator, by Mrs. Sullivan (indirectly).” A pair of Senator Ted Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn prescription eyeglasses. These brown framed halfglasses were presented directly to Amyx by Senator Kennedy himself, with the help of his Press Secretary, Melody Miller, to assist in completing this set of glasses from all three Kennedy brothers. Handsomely framed with tan-colored hand-wrapped suede matting, a color portrait of Kennedy, and a small plaque to an overall size of 22 x 14. In fine condition. Accompanied by three letters of provenance about the glasses, each on United States Senate Memorandum letterhead. The first is a memo to Senator Kennedy from Melody Miller, press secretary, which requests, “Mr. Raleigh Amyx…is very well thought of, and could be trusted to take ‘reverential’ care of anything you might choose to give him.” On the memo, Kennedy has written, “Patty—Do we have any old glasses.” A second letter from Miller reads, in part: “I certify that these half glasses…belonged to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. He used them at his home and at his office.” An incredibly well-documented grouping, and, undoubtedly, the only complete set of Kennedy eyeglasses assembled into one collection. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
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FRONT
REVERSE
The original watch band from Kennedy’s gold Cartier watch
with extensive provenance compiled by Robert White
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
FRONT
REVERSE
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John F. Kennedy’s
Brown Leather Watch Band STARTING BID $5,000
K
ennedy’s personally-owned and -worn Lord Elgin brown leather watch band removed from the gold Cartier watch, which had been engraved on the back with their wedding date, “J.F.K., 9-12-57.” In overall fine condition. This historic piece is accompanied by a binder of exhaustive documentation and research detailing its history, compiled by previous owner and renowned Kennedy collector Robert L. White. A gift from Jackie to her husband in celebration of their fourth wedding anniversary, the watch—according to a letter from Kennedy’s longtime secretary Evelyn Lincoln to White—“was worn by President John F. Kennedy for a short while, but he then discarded it because he didn’t like the wrist band.” The band was then replaced with a black alligator band, and Kennedy began to wear the watch on a regular basis; he was wearing it as such on November 22, 1963.
HISTORY After being rushed to Parkland Hospital, Kennedy was brought to Trauma Room #1, where Nurse Diana Bowron was on duty. Included in the accompanying information with this band are a copy of her testimony before the Warren Commission and a hospital memo describing her role in treating Kennedy, in part: “Two of the doctors wished to start fluids in the President’s left arm, upon which he was wearing a gold watch with a black leather strap. As this was about to fall off I removed it and placed it in my pocket for safe keeping…I ran to the blood bank and collected two units of uncrossmatched blood. I returned to the Emergency Room
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
and…was told that the President was dead…As the body was being removed, I remembered that I still had the President’s gold watch in my pocket. I ran out to the Triage desk and there I saw Mr. Wright. I gave him the gold watch and explained how I had come by it.” Additional corroborating accounts, including an excerpt from O. P. Wright, Head of Security at Parkland, are also provided. The watch was then given to Special Agent Roger C. Warner; a notarized statement from Warner confirms that he picked up the watch from Mr. Wright on November 26, 1963, and sent it back to Washington. From there, Special Agent Robert Bouck released the watch to agent Clint Hill for its return to Mrs. Kennedy; a receipt from the National Archives confirms this. Before he returned it, Hill replaced the bloodied black alligator band with this original one, to spare the grieving widow the additional reminder of the gruesome event. A photocopied letter from Evelyn Lincoln to Robert White reads, in part: “Soon after Mrs. Kennedy moved out of the White House in 1964…she filled an entire room with cast offs. Dresses, yard goods, all kinds of clothing belonging to the President, herself and her children…Mrs. Kennedy invited me, among the first of many of her friends, to come to that room and choose anything I wanted…I carried away many, many very personal items.” Completing the chain of ownership, Robert White has included two notarized letters, both showing images of the watch and this band, reading, in part: “This is…as I received it on June 5th, 1992 from Evelyn Lincoln…it is indeed the watch he wore for many years and was wearing the day of the assassination in Dallas. The original black Cartier alligator strap…was removed by the Secret Service and replaced with the Lord Elgin leather strap before the watch was returned to Mrs. Kennedy on December 2nd, 1963.”
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Kennedy’s frequently-used brass shaving kit with all pieces hand-engraved “J. F. K.”
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John F. Kennedy’s
Monogrammed Shaving Kit Used as President STARTING BID $5,000
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K
ennedy’s personally-owned and -used monogrammed brass shaving set. This set, made by Gillette, consists of a double-edge razor, two identical size round containers, one for powder and one to house a small brush (brush not present), both monogrammed, and two small rectangular container for replacement blades, also monogrammed. All the items are housed in their original satin-lined leather case, marked “Gillette,” on the lining, with red velvet holders for each piece, which measures 4 x 5 x 1.75. Accompanied by a June 30, 1982 letter of provenance, written on White House stationery, from longtime White House maid Viola Wise which reads, in part: “The handsome Gillette shaving kit, made up of four ‘gold’ pieces…was owned and used by John F. Kennedy. Each piece is handsomely engraved ‘J. F. K.’…While the President may have used this some as President, I was told at the time it was given to me, that President Kennedy had owned it since he was a young man. Therefore, he also would have used the set in the 1930’s, 1940’s, and 1950’s. It was given to me by the President’s valet, George Thomas, in late November 1963. Following the President’s assassination, it was up to George Thomas (valet) to sort out many of the President belongings for preparation for leaving the White House with Mrs. Kennedy and the children…I was terribly fond of the President and Mrs. Kennedy. I was blessed with being so close to the family. A few other mementoes were given to me but this shaving kit was the finest because it was used so frequently by our late President.” In fine condition, with expected wear to case, a bit of light crazing near hinge, and some normal tarnish to areas of brass. A very personal and fashionably elegant memento which exemplifies Kennedy’s class and refinement. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
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21
Paisley Necktie
Striped Necktie
STARTING BID $500
STARTING BID $500
O ne of John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and-worn neckties. Blue, red, and black paisley hand block printed tie bears a Chipp maker’s label on the underside. Accompanied by a copy of a letter of authenticity from David J. Powers, the son of Kennedy’s special assistant David F. Powers, which states, “They often shared them, which may have been why the President gave my father his blue paisley Chipp Hand Block Printed tie in August 1963 when they were at the Cape. My father carefully separated this tie from others that were his alone and preserved it among his valuable memorabilia.” In fine condition.
O ne of John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn neckties. Black silk tie with diagonal red, yellow, and white stripes bears a Jordan Marsh maker’s label on the underside. Accompanied by a copy of a letter of authenticity from David J. Powers, the son of Kennedy’s special assistant David F. Powers, which states, “This Jordan Marsh Company all silk black tie with red, yellow and white stripes, RN19970, was worn by JFK and subsequently ended up with my father… My father carefully separated this tie from others that were his alone and preserved it among his valuable memorabilia.” In fine condition.
John F. Kennedy’s
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
John F. Kennedy’s
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Custom-made 18k gold ring, a gift from his wife,
found in his desk after Dallas 22
John F. Kennedy’s
18k Gold Presidential Ring STARTING BID $10,000
E
legant custom-made one-of-a-kind 18k gold handcrafted ring presented to President Kennedy by his wife Jacqueline in 1963. According to Kennedy’s secretary Evelyn Lincoln it was crafted by Cartier, though due to its being privately made, it bears no official maker’s mark. The 18 karat gold ring bears a detailed engraving of the presidential seal on the outside, and is hand-engraved on the inside, “J. B. K. to J. F. K.” Accompanied by a November 21, 1982 letter of provenance from Kennedy’s secretary Evelyn Lincoln, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “The 18K Gold Cartier handcrafted ring with the delicate and detailed Presidential Seal is a paramount example of a JFK personal item. After John F. Kennedy was inaugurated on January 20, 1961, it was approved for design by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Accordingly, she had it hand-engraved on the interior band with ‘JBK to JFK’ in an intricate script design. As I recall, it was meant to be worn by JFK on his left ring finger or the right pinkie. It was Mrs. Kennedy’s policy that some personal items could not be marked by the companies chosen by her, if she selected them to create special items or high quality gifts for JFK…When the President left his Oval Office for Dallas, I accompanied him. It was such a horrible time. Anyway, he left the ‘JBK to JFK’ ring in his desk drawer. I retrieved it upon my return.” A beautifully crafted and deeply personal gift from the First Lady. In fine, near mint condition. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Monogrammed golf ball
from the White House, used by President Kennedy 24
John F. Kennedy’s
Presidential Golf Ball Embossed “J.F.K.” STARTING BID $300 Kennedy’s personally-owned golf ball, embossed in red and black in two places, “J. F. K.,” circa 1962, picked up from the South Lawn of the White House, where Kennedy practiced from time to time, and retrieved by White House General Foreman Melvon O. Carter. Accompanied by an October 13, 1982 letter of provenance from Carter’s widow, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “My husband, Melvon O. Carter…had worked for The White House from the time of President Herbert Hoover until President Richard Nixon…he would often pick up the personal golf balls of President Eisenhower, and later, President Kennedy, from the South Lawn of the White House. This President John F. Kennedy golf ball is marked JFK in black and 2 in red in two places. It reads, Steel Center and has one pen mark under the letter L to distinguish it. This was not a presentation golf ball. M. O. Carter picked up the golf ball after President Kennedy hit it while practicing his game.” In fine condition. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
Presidential golf ball once chipped on the South lawn by JFK 25
John F. Kennedy’s
Golf Ball Embossed “President Kennedy” STARTING BID $300 Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used Wilson Staff 1 golf ball, embossed “President Kennedy,” picked up from the South Lawn of the White House, where Kennedy practiced from time to time, and retrieved by White House General Foreman Melvon O. Carter. Accompanied by a May 19, 1982 letter of provenance from Carter’s widow, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “My husband, Melvon O. Carter...had worked for The White House from the time of President Herbert Hoover until President Richard Nixon…he would often pick up the personal golf balls of President Eisenhower, and later, President Kennedy, from the South Lawn of the White House. This President John F. Kennedy golf ball is marked in black letter, ‘President Kennedy.’ On two sides, in black letters it reads, ‘Wilson Staff’…It was owned and used by the President. He loved the game of golf and was an excellent golfer…He would often practice his putting and chipping on the South Lawn of the White House. M. O. Carter picked up the golf ball after the President finished his practice.” In fine condition, with some expected slight discoloration from use, as well as a single surface golf club mark. Kennedy’s love of golf was well-known, as was his drive to continually improve his game, as documented here by practicing his short game right at the White House. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Glove retrieved by the Secret Service
after 18 holes at the Hyannis Country Club 26
John F. Kennedy’s
Golf Glove
STARTING BID $300 John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn golf glove. Tan left-handed leather glove was worn by Kennedy during a round of golf at the Hyannis Port Country Club in July of 1962, left there after having a drink, and retrieved by Donald C. Brett, a Secret Service agent. Accompanied by a 2010 handwritten letter of provenance from Brett, which reads, in part: “This golf glove was worn by President John F. Kennedy when he was playing at The Hyannis Port Country Club in July 1962. On his way out after having a drink, he left this glove on the table where I was sitting. He never returned for it.” Expected wear and soiling, and a couple cracks to the fingertips, otherwise fine condition. Despite his love for golfing, Kennedy often avoided being photographed on the links after his election, as he did not want to be compared to Dwight Eisenhower, who played very publicly. As his term continued, he softened his stance and worked hard to improve his game, even asking Arnold Palmer to critique his play. A wonderful relic from one of Kennedy’s great passions.
Personalized cigar and monogrammed handkerchief 27
John F. Kennedy’s
Personalized Cigar and Monogrammed Handkerchief STARTING BID $1,000 Two items owned by President Kennedy: one unopened cigar measuring 6˝ in length, housed in its original glass tube, and retaining its impressive red and gold, personalized cigar band printed with “JFK”; and one of Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used white linen handkerchiefs, hand-embroidered with his initials, “J. F. K.,” in a script design. Both are handsomely framed together with a presidential blue suede mat and striking gold leaf frame, to an overall size of 13.5 x 23. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Kennedy’s personal secretary Evelyn Lincoln, dated May 29, 1983 and written on White House stationery to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, which reads, in part: “It is a pleasure for me to share a couple of personal items of President John F. Kennedy…One is a personal cigar with his initials on the band. The other is a white linen handkerchief, monogrammed with his intials…The cigar has never been opened and is encased in its original glass tube…The cigar and handkerchief were owned and/or used by JFK.” In fine condition. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
Engraved humidor
presented by the Philippine Ambassador in 1963, complete with two unopened cigars 28
John F. Kennedy’s
Personalized Wooden Humidor
STARTING BID $5,000
P
resident Kennedy’s personalized wooden humidor. Hinged mahogany humidor is engraved on the lid “President Kennedy,” and measures 10.25 x 7 x 2, with a 9.75 x 7 thin sheet of green felt covering most of the bottom of the cigar box. Presented to Kennedy by Philippine Ambassador Amelito R. Mutuc as a gift, it was designed to hold a total of 26 cigar. Two unopened cigars are stored inside, each 5.25˝ long, with “Specially made for President Kennedy,” imprinted on the wrappers, and “Flor Fina Coronas Alhambra Manila Choicest Philippine Tobacco Sumatra Wrapper,” printed on the bands. On January 21, 1963, Kennedy wrote to His Excellency Amelito R. Mutuc, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, Washington, D.C. The text of the letter, courtesy of the JFK Presidential Library: “Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received the handsome,
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
personalized, mahogany box of very fine cigars that you so thoughtfully sent to me. It was indeed kind of you to send such a generous supply of this excellent product. I know I will enjoy them and consider your gift another demonstration of the warm friendship existing between our countries. With appreciation and every good wish to you and your family. Sincerely, John F. Kennedy.” Photocopies of the retained unsigned carbon of this letter in the Kennedy Library’s files and a note-sized sheet of Ambassador Mutuc’s stationery addressed in a secretarial hand to: “The President / The White House / Washington, DC” are included. The latter most probably accompanied the box of cigars. Also present, from the Kennedy Library, are photocopies of five earlier letters concerning the sending and receipt of the cigars. In overall fine condition.
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John F. Kennedy’s
La Azora Cigar
STARTING BID $500 One of Kennedy’s personally-owned cigars. La Azora cigar measures 5˝ long, is still contained in its original wrapper, and retains its gold and red band. Cigar was sent to Kennedy by Sheldon Dannen of the 21 Club. In fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from University Archives.
Exquisite plate
from Kennedy’s final official banquet in Miami
31
John F. Kennedy’s
1963 Cobalt-blue Dinner Plate
STARTING BID $500
28
Cobalt-blue dinner plate specially produced for the Dinner of the Inter-American Press Association [IAPA] in honor of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, held at the Hotel Americana in Miami Beach on November 18, 1963. Plate measures 10.5˝ in diameter with gilt edging and gilt ornamentation of the presidential seal as well as the coats of arms of the IAPA’s 14 member states. A manufacturer’s imprint on the cream underside reads, “Syracuse - China - 93 G U.S.A.” Plate originated from the Hotel Americana’s Catering Sales and Service Manager Louis Ronco, to whom an entire Miami Herald feature article (a copy of which is included here) was dedicated the very next day, tracing Ronco’s legacy of presidential dinners dating back to the FDR administration. Additional photocopied provenance comes in the form of three letters to Ronco that attest to his services that night; copies of the program and menu from the event; and photocopied pictures of Kennedy in his motorcade, in his hotel suite and at his head table, including an image of the Grand Ballroom with a plate shown at each setting. In fine condition.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
A gift from Kennedy’s
final international trip 32
John F. Kennedy
1963 European Trip Lighter Gifted to a Staff Member STARTING BID $200 A lighter from John F. Kennedy’s summer 1963 European trip presented to a staff member that accompanied the president on Air Force One in the summer of 1963. Chromeplated Zippo lighter has a large blue presidential seal on one side and is engraved on the other side, “European Trip of President Kennedy June, 1963.” This was a personal gift from the President for those accompanying him on this, his last European trip where he visited Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Rome, and the Vatican. In fine condition, with a bit of slight wear from use. While these lighters were given out to dignitaries and staff members, they appear at auction infrequently. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
Lighter gifted to longtime White House Doorman, and trusted friend, Preston Bruce 33
John F. Kennedy’s
Engraved 10k Gold-plated Lighter STARTING BID $500 Kennedy’s personally-owned lighter. The 10k gold plated butane lighter measures 2.5 x 1.5 x .5, bears a blue presidential seal on the front, and is engraved on both sides, “J. F. K.” This lighter was presented by Kennedy to longtime White House Doorman Preston Bruce, and is accompanied by an August 21, 1983 letter from Bruce to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, written on White House stationery. The letter reads, in part: “The…gold-plated butane lighter with the initials ‘J. F. K.’ engraved on both sides was owned by President John F. Kennedy…From 1953–1977, I was the White House Doorman. During those years I had the privilege of serving five Presidents…In this capacity I was trusted to be in close proximity to the Oval Office and the President. After hearing of your vast Presidential collection…I would like for you to have this lighter which was given to me personally by President Kennedy. He was always so very kind to me and always thanking me for my long and steadfast service.” In fine, and apparent, unused condition. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection. LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Jacqueline Kennedy’s
Nautical Themed Ornamental Box STARTING BID $200 President and Mrs. Kennedy’s personallyowned and -used nautical-themed ornamental box. Wooden box measures 5.25 x 6.25 x 3. Encased in the flip top lid is a seashore design with aqua colored shells and a seashore set on a painted background. Inside the box is a double deck of playing cards set within a green plastic marble design holder. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Kennedy’s personal secretary Mary Gallagher, who received the box from Kennedy.
Jackie’s elegant evening shoes worn as she charmed the French,
prompting her husband to say ‘I am the man that accompanied Jacqueline to Paris’ 35
Jacqueline Kennedy’s
Gold Brocade Shoes Worn during Her 1961 Trip to Paris STARTING BID $500
Stunning white and gold brocade heeled shoes worn by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy during her 1961 visit to Paris with President John F. Kennedy. The size 10AA evening shoes feature beautiful gold brocade to the front and a short wooden heel. It was during this memorable trip that President Kennedy famously quipped, ‘I am the man that accompanied Jacqueline to Paris and I have enjoyed doing so,’ which endeared the couple to the European press. Accompanied by a January 22, 1981 letter of provenance from Jane Abbate to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, which reads, in part: “These personal Kennedy items came to me by way of Secret Service Agent John J. O’Leary, better known as ‘Muggsy’…The evening slippers…were worn by Jackie Kennedy on the trip to France where she received so much attention.” At the bottom of the detailed provenance letter, Evelyn Lincoln, the president’s secretary of twelve years, has added a handwritten note which reads, “Muggsy was a dear friend of mine and when he said these items are authentic, I believe him.” In fine condition, with a bit of light wear from use. The Kennedy’s trip to France was met with much fanfare as crowds lined the streets to get a look at the couple. Jackie charmed both Charles de Gaulle and Andre Malraux at a state dinner, where she planted the initial seeds of bringing the Mona Lisa to America. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection. 30
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
An exquisite reminder of ‘Camelot’— the first lady’s elegant black velvet outfit
36
Jacqueline Kennedy’s
Black Velvet Outfit STARTING BID $500
J
acqueline Kennedy’s personally-owned outfit. Black velvet two-piece outfit by Modern Jr., Gale and Gale, consisting of a pullover top with a bateau neckline, threequarter length sleeves, and a matching bow at the waist front, and a straight-line skirt with a side zipper and back hem pleat. Inside of the top’s collar is a small tab reading, “Lot 1 Size A.” Accompanied by a copy of a 2001 letter of authenticity from Mary Barelli Gallagher, Senator Kennedy’s secretary from 1953-1956 and Mrs. Kennedy’s personal secretary from 1956-1964, stating, in part: “Since receiving this, it has remained in my possession at my home in Alexandria, Virginia.” Also included is a copy of a 2003 certificate of authenticity signed by Gallagher from Hantman’s Auction of Kennedy documents and artifacts.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
HISTORY According to Gallagher’s letter of authenticity, this outfit was “acquired from Mrs. Kennedy during one of her regular periodic, closet-cleaning sessions at her Georgetown/White House residences.” In her 1969 book, My Life with Jacqueline Kennedy, she recounts the occasions, writing, ‘From the racks would fall a large collection of suits, dresses, coats, blouses, slacks, and other paraphernalia, which would then be sorted into two heaps—the one for resale, the other for us.’ What didn’t stay with Gallagher and the other household help was sold through Encore, a clothing consignment store in New York. A stunning example of the first lady and fashion icon’s gracefully refined style, which captured the attention of the world for generations to come.
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Blue Silk Slacks
Blue Mohair Winter Coat
STARTING BID $500
STARTING BID $500
Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn slacks. Teal blue textured silk slacks, size 12, with side zipper and one button closure, bear an “Emilio S.R.L. Made in Italy Capri-Florence” maker’s label. In fine condition, with discoloration at waist band, and a small stain on right leg at knee level. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Mary Gallagher, Kennedy’s personal secretary. Provenance: Robert L. White Collection, Guernsey’s, 2005.
Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn coat. Blue mohair winter coat features two rows of four large buttons, all but one still attached, with a Lord and Taylor manufacturer’s label sewn inside the collar. Jacket was sold to Mary Gallagher during the 1960 presidential campaign when Gallagher had no time to shop for a coat. Discoloration to jacket from buttons, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Mary Gallagher, Kennedy’s personal secretary. Provenance: Robert L. White Collection, Guernsey’s, 2005.
Jacqueline Kennedy’s
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Jacqueline Kennedy’s
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
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Blue and White Striped Bathing Suit
Floral Nightgown
STARTING BID $500
STARTING BID $500
Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn bathing suit. Blue and white striped cotton one-piece suit, size 10/32, has narrow shoulder straps and back zipper, five flat white buttons down the bodice, and is fully lined in white cotton. Inside bears a “Catalina Created in California” manufacturer’s label. In fine condition, with minor rust stain dots near back waist and inside bodice, some discoloration on front top from storage. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Mary Gallagher, Kennedy’s personal secretary. Provenance: Robert L. White Collection, Guernsey’s, 2005.
Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn nightgown. White flannel brushed cotton long-sleeve nightgown measures approximately 48˝ in length, size 34, with pastel floral decoration, lace trim around neck, decorative embroidery at yoke, ruffled edge hem, and four buttons down the front. In fine condition, with some scattered light discoloration. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Mary Gallagher, Kennedy’s personal secretary. Provenance: Robert L. White Collection, Guernsey’s, 2005.
Jacqueline Kennedy’s
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
Jacqueline Kennedy’s
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Jackie’s coveted
photo case
used to carry portraits of her children
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Jacqueline Kennedy’s
Blue Nightgown
STARTING BID $500 Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn nightgown. Pale blue nylon long-sleeve nightgown with a Peter Pan collar trimmed in narrow white lace, front bodice panels bordered with same lace and embroidered in pink “Sweet Dreams,” amidst flowers, belt loops, and a two-snap closure (one missing). In fine condition, with missing belt, loss to nylon in right sleeve, and two holes. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Mary Gallagher, Kennedy’s personal secretary. Provenance: Robert L. White Collection, Guernsey’s, 2005.
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Jacqueline Kennedy’s
Gold and Mother-of-Pearl Photo Case STARTING BID $300 Jacqueline Kennedy’s personally-owned small gold and mother-of-pearl photo case. Case has an opalescent cover, measures 1.25 x 1.25 closed, and opens to a size of 2.5 x 1.25, with two reproduction photos of John, Jr. and Caroline Kennedy inside, which slide under a gold metal rim and a plastic insert. Mrs. Kennedy used this to carry photos of her children, keeping it at the White House and sometimes in her purse. Accompanied by a 1992 letter of provenance from Evelyn Lincoln, which reads, “This small gold box with ivory lid to be used for small pictures…was discarded by Mrs. John F. Kennedy shortly after November 22, 1963 as she was packing to leave the White House shortly thereafter.” In fine condition. A very personal memento kept close to Jackie. Provenance: The Robert L. White Collection; Guernsey’s, 2005.
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
This was one of Kennedy’s personal favorites,
showing a playful John, Jr. peering out from beneath his father’s desk 43
John F. Kennedy and John Jr.
Official Photograph that Once Hung in the White House STARTING BID $500
I
conic original vintage 9 x 12.5 photo of President Kennedy seated at his desk in the Oval Office while John Jr., peers through a ‘secret door’ at the front of the desk, photographed by Stanley Tretick. Matted and housed in its original frame to an overall size of 13.75 x 17.5. Accompanied by a 1992 letter of provenance from Kennedy’s personal secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, which reads, in part: “This famous picture…was framed and hung in Kennedy’s small room near the Oval Office until November 23, 1963, when it was removed.” In fine condition, with a few trivial ripples.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
HISTORY Assigned to travel with the up-and-coming senator in 1960, United Press International photojournalist Stanley Tretick logged more miles with Kennedy during the presidential campaign than any other photographer, quickly building a strong friendship and mutually beneficial business relationship. When Kennedy took office in 1961, Tretick secured a job with Look Magazine with the promise of extensive access to the White House from the newly elected president himself. Despite Jackie’s constant fight to shield her children from public view, Kennedy understood the public relations value of images that showed him with his young family and, while his wife was out of the country in October of 1963, allowed Tretick to follow him and John, Jr. around the White House for an article on the father-son pair. This charming image, Tretick’s most famous by far, encapsulates the myth of Camelot, showing Kennedy at work as both the devoted President and the loving father.
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44
45
1960 Baby Gift
Photograph
STARTING BID $200
STARTING BID $200
Baby gift presented to the Kennedys on the occasion of the birth of John F. Kennedy, Jr. in November of 1960. Baby boy doll, 7.75” high, fully dressed in a blue-and-off-white knit outfit with matching blue knit hat, white shoes and socks, and white wood Doll Table with folddown section revealing a seat for the doll. Two colorful bear decals adorn the tabletop. Clothing and baby table appear to be handmade. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Kennedy’s personal secretary Mary Gallagher.
Adorable vintage oversized 15.5 x 19.25 mattefinish photo of John Kennedy walking hand in hand with young Caroline, a small bouquet of flowers in her other hand, affixed to a slightly larger board. In fine condition, with some light soiling to upper right.
John and Jacqueline Kennedy’s
John and Caroline Kennedy
46
John F. Kennedy, Jr’s
Baby Shirt
STARTING BID $500 John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s personally-owned and -worn baby shirt, worn as a toddler. Seersucker top with a blue striped collar, three button front, and two hand-embroidered blue lambs on the front. Top also bears a Health-Tex manufacturer’s label sewn into the collar. An area of mild discoloration to the front and arms, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from University Archives.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
From the Robert White collection,
four original photos of the first family, “left over from the White House storage area” 47
Kennedy Family
Photographs
STARTING BID $250 Four original vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photos, all obtained from White House storage after Kennedy’s assassination. One photo shows the Kennedy family standing outside of their chapel on Easter Sunday; one shows Jackie posing with young John, Jr., and Caroline; and two show President and Mrs. Kennedy at a function. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter from noted Kennedy collector Robert L. White which reads, in part: “Herewith several original JFK photos from 1961–63. They are ones left over from the White House storage area after his death.”
Original press photo
of the newly elected president 48
John F. Kennedy
1960 Photograph Announcing Birth of John, Jr. STARTING BID $200 Original vintage glossy 8.75 x 12.5 press photo of a euphoric Kennedy behind a set of microphones as he announced the birth of his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr., on November 25, 1960. Reverse bears original Life magazine news stamps and notations, attributing the photo to staff photographer Albert Fenn. One stamp reads, “Used in Life, Dec. 5 1960,” with a ballpoint notation below, “page 36.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 22 x 26; an image of the photo’s reverse is affixed to the frame’s backing. In fine condition, with a few light, unobtrusive surface creases to the bottom. Accompanied by an original issue of the December 5th Life magazine, which features the photo, captioned: “Elated while greeting press, Kennedy announces, after seeing son, that baby and wife are doing fine.” This historic photo depicts Kennedy at a zenithal crossroads of his personal and political life—in addition to welcoming his only son into the world, he had won the presidential election just two weeks earlier.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
37
One-of-a-kind inauguration photo
taken from “front row seats along the parade route” 49
John and Jacqueline Kennedy
Inaugural Parade Photograph STARTING BID $200 Original vintage glossy 10 x 8 photo of John and Jacqueline Kennedy riding in a convertible during the inaugural parade on January 20, 1961. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the daughter of Kennedy’s friend and governor of Rhode Island, John A. Notte, Jr., in part: “This picture of the Kennedys on inauguration day, January 20, 1961, is one of a kind. I along with my family went to Washington D.C. for the inauguration…My father, at his own expense, took along his personal state photographer… We had front row seats along the parade route…This picture has never been published—it has always been in my family.” An outstanding image that perfectly captures exuberance of the day.
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John and Jaqueline Kennedy
Inaugural Ball Photograph STARTING BID $100
Semi-glossy 11 x 14 photo of Kennedy beside Jackie looking over the enormous crowd at their inaugural ball, by Paul Schutzer of Life magazine. Some light creasing to the corners, otherwise fine condition.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
52
John F. Kennedy
Presidential Inauguration Invitation STARTING BID $150
51
John F. Kennedy
Original embossed invitation to Kennedy’s presidential inauguration on January 20, 1961. One page invitation measures 6.25 x 10. In fine condition.
Presidential Inauguration Ticket STARTING BID $150 Original unused ticket to Kennedy’s inauguration, 6 x 2.5, held on January 20, 1961. Silver ticket is issued for an “Honored Guest,” holding a reserved seat. In fine condition.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s ticket and invitation
to the 1961 presidential inauguration 53
John F. Kennedy
Presidential Inauguration Ticket and Invitation Issued to Eleanor Roosevelt STARTING BID $200 Eleanor Roosevelt’s invitation and ticket to John F. Kennedy’s 1961 presidential inauguration. The embossed three-page invitation measures 6.5 x 10, and bears portraits of Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, both with printed signatures; her ticket to the presidential platform, 4.5 x 2.5, with her seating assignment stamped on the reverse, “The President’s Stand,” Row C, seat 9; and a program for the inaugural ceremonies, 6.25 x 9, with its red, white, and blue ribbon. All three items are housed in their original numbered envelope, with Roosevelt’s seating assignment on the front, as well as “Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt,” written on the front in another hand. In fine condition. As noted by historian Richard Reeves, Mrs. Roosevelt ‘had refused to sit on the inaugural platform with Kennedy and his family, wrapping herself in a mink coat and an Army blanket in the crowd below the stand.’ While inaugural tickets and invitations are available, those for important dignitaries, with seating very close to the president, are seldom seen.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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40
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
1960
Classic Lincoln Continental limousine
from President Kennedy’s DC motor pool 54
John F. Kennedy
Presidential Limo
STARTING BID $25,000
A
black 1960 Lincoln Continental limousine from the Kennedy White House motor pool. Originally built by Hugh, this four-door bulletproof limo features a divider window, passenger air controls, power steering and brakes, and a very uncommon two-way telephone in the back seat. Much of the body has been restored, to the tune of approximately $35,000, however, the interior remains in its original condition, with beige leather seats, matching carpeting, and the aforementioned telephone. Leased to the White House for $500 a year from Ford, the limo was used for the president’s personal needs in Washington, DC, then returned the public market through secondary dealerships, where it was purchased in March of 1964 by Dr. James C. Walsh. After Dave Powers declined Walsh’s offer to include the limo in the Kennedy Library due to space constraints, it was donated to Kirkland Hall College in Easton, Maryland. A letter to the institution’s president provides additional background information regarding the car, in part: “I spoke to Mr. Campbell Schmidt Jr….an official of the Washington office of the Ford Motor Company. He told me that President Johnson had switched all the White House cars…As a result the Ford Motor Company was going to sell this car and at my wife, Mary’s, insistence I purchased it on the spot.…The late president who had been exceptionally gracious to our son… who had attended the White House school…It is because of this association that I had the opportunity to meet the late president and to know in fact that he did use this car for his own personal uses in contrast to the official use of the larger White House limousine.” The limo was later sold in a fundraising auction by the college to George W. De Franceaux, who leased it to the Allstate Exhibit Company for a lengthy exhibition “of the John F. Kennedy automobile.” It was then displayed at the Museum of American Tragedy in St. Augustine, Florida, until the museum’s owner passed away in 1998, at which time it was sold at auction. A classic, show-worthy car with excellent association to the president.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
41
55
John F. Kennedy
1962 Birthday Program STARTING BID $100 Original program for Kennedy’s famous birthday celebration held at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, titled “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” two pages, 8.25 x 10.5, featuring a list of performers and committee members, including Marilyn Monroe, whose performance of the song “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” has become apotheosized in pop culture lore. In fine condition, with an unobtrusive central vertical fold.
56
John F. Kennedy
1961 UNC Photograph STARTING BID $200
Vintage oversized 18.5 x 15.5 matte-finish photo, taken on October 12, 1961, at the University of North Carolina by Frank Cancellare. Photo shows Kennedy, his eyes temporarily covered, as an academic hood is placed over his head, and is affixed to a slightly larger board. UPI caption on reverse states, “Receives Degree / Chapel Hill, N.C.: President Kennedy’s eyes are covered momentarily as William Friday, president of the University of North Carolina, slips academic hood over his head in conferring an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on the Chief Executive, here Oct. 12. It was Kennedy’s first honorary degree since becoming President. In a speech at the university, Kennedy said the United States does not ‘intend to let the free world be blown to pieces.’” Some light corner creases and a few small areas of staining, not detracting from overall appearance, otherwise fine condition.
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The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
57
John F. Kennedy
1963 Berlin Photograph STARTING BID $200 Vintage oversized 13 x 10.25 matte-finish photo, by James K. W. Atherton, of a young boy who breaks through the barricades to reach President Kennedy during the motorcade to West Berlin City Hall on June 26, 1963. Photo is affixed to a 16 x 20 mount, signed on the mount in black ink by Atherton, and labeled on the reverse in an unknown hand, “NEWS ‘Young Berliner cought [sic] in the Middle’ 6/26/63 / by / James K.W. Atherton / United Press International Photos.” In fine condition.
58
John F. Kennedy
1963 Berlin Photograph STARTING BID $200 Vintage oversized 13.25 x 10.25 matte-finish photo by James K. W. Atherton, of President Kennedy reaching out to a man and his son who have broken through police barriers to touch him as Kennedy’s motorcade makes its way to Berlin on June 26, 1963. Photo is affixed to a 16 x 20 mount, is signed on the mount in black ink by Atherton, and labeled on the reverse in an unknown hand, “NEWS / ‘Berlin Motorcade Spectacular’ 6/28/63 [motorcade was 6/26/63] / by / James K.W. Atherton / United Press International Photos.” In fine condition.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
43
Surveying the east side of the Berlin Wall
shortly before his stirring ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ speech 59
John F. Kennedy
1963 Berlin Photograph STARTING BID $200 Vintage oversized 19 x 15.5 mattefinish photo taken by awardwinning photographer James K. W. Atherton in Berlin, on Wednesday, June 26, 1963, of President Kennedy standing on the platform at Checkpoint Charlie and looking at the dilapidated landscape across the Berlin Wall as his entourage stands below; affixed to a slightly larger board. Signed vertically along the left edge of the board by Atherton. A couple corner creases and some light silvering along bottom edge, otherwise fine condition. In the June 27, 1963, New York Times, this photograph was printed with the caption, “A view over the Wall.” Following Kennedy’s visit to Checkpoint Charlie, he delivered the speech now seen as a turning point in the Cold War, a speech that boosted the morale of the West Germans and gave a strong defiant message to the Soviet Union, “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words, ‘Ich bin ein Berliner.’”
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John and Jacqueline Kennedy
Photograph
STARTING BID $200 Vintage oversized 15 x 19 matte-finish photo of the Kennedys exiting a building hand-in-hand, with two military officers behind them, and affixed to a slightly larger board. In fine condition, with a few dings to corners of board.
44
The 1,000-days of CAMELOT
The making of a president A portrait of JFK as a young man
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
45
Kennedy’s personally used, beautifully engraved 1960s rosary
showing signs of constant use,
gifted to his long-time best friend and assistant David Powers
46
The making of a president
64
John F. Kennedy’s
Personal Rosary
STARTING BID $10,000
J
ohn F. Kennedy’s personal rosary beads and sterling silver crucifix, presented by Kennedy to his best friend and special assistant, David Powers. Rosary consists of a sterling silver cross, 1.5˝ wide and 2.25˝ long, engraved on the reverse, “John F. Kennedy.” The black onyx beads measure approximately .25˝ in diamater. A small openwork sterling silver circle, .75˝ in diameter, connects the decade beads to the antiphon beads, and bears the descending dove of the Holy Spirit inside of a triangle. The rosary is accompanied by a 2013 letter of provenance from Powers’s son, David J. Powers, in full: “My father was David F. Powers, the Special Assistant to President John F. Kennedy and Curator at the Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. Many consider my father to have been President Kennedy’s best friend and confidant. They campaigned together from 1946 to 1963, and travelled the world together on presidential visits. During their travels, they frequently attended mass and would always make 3 wishes at each new Church per Roman Catholic tradition. Kennedy would often relate that his wishes pertained to winning key states in the next election. The Rosary Beads and Silver Cross engraved ‘John F. Kennedy’ were gifted to my father by JFK and my father cherished them. My father was in the fateful motorcade in Dallas, right behind President Kennedy’s vehicle. I can imagine that reflecting with these rosary beads gave my father comfort in the years after the President’s death.” The President attended Mass with Powers quite frequently. Accompanying the rosary beads are four photos of President Kennedy and Dave Powers, with Secret Service agents, entering or leaving St. Edwards Catholic Church in Palm Beach, Florida (December 8, 1961) and Washington’s Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (August 15, 1961, November 1, 1961, and May 31, 1962).
HISTORY Prior to the 1960s, the corpus on the crucifix was much more realistic; as tastes changed, they became more stylized, as this piece is, indicating that it was designed at the start of the ’60s. The same is true of the anchor piece bearing the dove. While rosaries were made with myriad different materials, it was common for Catholics of high status to have them made of finer materials, such as the sterling silver and black onyx (one
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
of the more common choices for men, due to its masculine appearance). Though one would not typically get his or her own rosary engraved, it was common for upper-class Catholics to do so when giving it as a gift; with Jackie’s known penchant for personalizing meaningful pieces that she gave her husband, and with her undeniable eye for the finest modern styles, it is likely that this was a gift to Kennedy from his wife. During Kennedy’s time, the rosary was a major part of Catholic practice. It was used in family life, highly encouraged by the Kennedys’ close friend Archibishop Richard Cushing, who recited it over the radio so that families could gather at home and join in prayer; in personal life, with the rosary carried at all times as a reminder to pray; and in community life, as most Catholics would silently pray the rosary during Latin mass, when they could not follow the priests’ words. Trying to balance family life with the pressures of political life, it is understandable that this rosary should show such wear, with the sterling heavily rubbed and the onyx beads slightly chipped. This is by far one of the most remarkable, personal pieces of President Kennedy’s that has ever come to auction, holding incredible significance in its signs of daily use and its representation of the faith that carried him through life. Provenance: Acquired by current owner from the Dave Powers Collection. A portion of the proceeds of the sale will be donated to the David Powers Foundation, a Non-Profit Foundation helping The Boys and Girls Club and Military Families.
47
JFK’s sterling silver baby brush, used years later on his son, JFK, Jr.,
by ‘Big Mamma,’ the White House maid who lovingly told him, ‘you may be an ugly darlin’ baby boy, but you are a millionaire and the son of a President’ 65
John F. Kennedy’s
Sterling Silver Childhood Hair Brush Also Used for John, Jr. STARTING BID $500 Textured sterling silver hair brush used on John F. Kennedy as an infant and years later on his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. The 1920s-style ovalshaped brush measures approximately 2 x 3 x 1.25 and is hand-engraved on the top, “J. F. K.” Accompanied by a June 30, 1982 letter of provenance from White House maid Viola Wise to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “I would like for you have this Sterling Silver baby’s hair brush. It was once owned and used by President John F. Kennedy, and many years later, I used it to groom the infant and toddler, John F. Kennedy, Jr. The brush was included in their personal belongings when the Kennedys arrived at the White House on January 20, 1961…While serving in the White House, it was often necessary for me to assist with the young Kennedy children, either in the absence of the nurse, Maud Shaw, or when she needed an extra hand. John, Jr., was a small infant when he arrived at the White House. I would sometimes sit with the President’s son and feed him. Like many young infants, he was ‘ugly.’ I would hold him and say, ‘John, John, you may be an ugly darlin’ baby boy, but you are a millionaire and the son of a President, so ‘Big Mamma’ is gonna keep on feedin’ and rockin’ you.’ And I would comb and brush his youthful hair with the President’s hair brush…This baby hair brush is one of my favorites, because I was so frequently with the Kennedy children, and because it was used for the President when he was an infant.” In fine condition, with a minor indentation above the “F” of the engraved “J. F. K.” A precious family heirloom, used by two generations of the iconic family, with superb provenance from the maid who not only looked after the needs of the first family, but also lovingly tended to ‘John John.’ Accompanied by a charismatic photo of White House maid ‘Big Mamma,’ an image of which is available for viewing at RRAuction.com. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
Lock of hair
obtained directly from JFK’s barber 66
John F. Kennedy’s
Lock of Hair
STARTING BID $300 A lock of hair, containing about seven half-inch strands of Kennedy’s hair, collected in July of 1963 after a haircut at Peter Lawford’s Santa Monica beach front home. Accompanied by a copy of a notarized letter of provenance from Kennedy’s barber, Harry Gelbart, which states, “On one occasion, on a Sunday afternoon in July 1963, after giving the President a haircut… I collected the hair I had cut to save as a memento.” Hair is suedematted and framed with a color portrait of Kennedy to an overall size of 12.25 x 17. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from University Archives.
48
The making of a president
A remarkable piece of the Kennedy boys’ high school days, signed by both Joe, Jr., and brother John, adding variations of his signature over 40 more times
67
John and Joseph Kennedy’s
Signed Choate Textbook STARTING BID $500
Signed book: The New Chardenal Complete French Course. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1929. Hardcover, 5.25 x 7.5, 450 pages, with a handsome custom-made clamshell book box. Signed in blue ink on the first free end page, “Joe Kennedy,” and “Jack Kennedy, Choate House, Room 101, Choate, Wallingford Conn.” The book is also heavily annotated in pencil throughout by Kennedy, who also adds several different variations of his signature, including, “John F. Kennedy“ (24 times), “Kennedy, John F.” (16 times), “J. Kennedy” (3 times), “John Francis Kennedy” (once), “Kennedy” (4 times), “John Francis Fitzgerald Kennedy” (one time). One of the signatures in incorporated into his complete address, “Kennedy, John F., 2921 Pondfield Rd., Bronxville, N. Y.” Kennedy has drawn a face in the arch of a photo of La Porte St. Denis a Paris, and tracing an image of Le Pantheon a Paris on the opposite page. Autographic condition: paperclip impressions over portion of both signatures, uniform toning to signed page, multiple pencil notations to signed page, as well as some adhesive remnants along left edge, small portion of “Wallingford” traced over in Book condition: G-/None.
HISTORY Beginning the ninth grade at Choate in 1931, JFK finally began to make his way out from his athletic and popular big brother Joe’s shadow. Making a name for himself in large part by building his reputation as a talented prankster, he was remembered for such classics as exploding a toilet seat with a firecracker—and turning the headmaster’s scornful designation of ‘mucker’ into a title of pride, forming the ‘Muckers’ Club’ with his friends and partners-in-crime. While his academic record was unimpressive and his health was often precarious, he quickly became one of the most popular students, playing football, basketball, and baseball, serving as the business manager of his senior yearbook, and earning the distinction of ‘most likely to succeed.’ At Choate, he developed the characteristics that helped him become a charismatic politician in later years: a sense of humor and a charming way with words, an interest in politics and history, a strong connection to his peers, and resiliency in the face of his own suffering. Also signed by Joe, Jr., whose signature is extraordinarily difficult to obtain due to his unfortunate early death in World War II, this book captures a crucial time in the young Kennedys’ lives, as JFK began to find his footing.
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Kathleen Kennedy’s
Signed Textbook
STARTING BID $300 Fourth child of Joseph Kennedy (1920–1948) and sister of John F., Robert, and Edward Kennedy, who was killed in a plane crash in the south of France. Scarce signed school book: French Composition: Book II. Later printing. London: J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd, 1933. Hardcover, 5 x 7.25, 275 pages. Signed on the first free end page, “Kathleen Kennedy, 1936–1937, 4° annee la mille Duguin.” Autographic condition: fine condition, with pencil notations above and below signature and a uniform shade of mild toning. Book condition: G+/None. After graduating from the Riverdale County School and attending the Norton Convent of the Sacred Heart, Kathleen spent a year abroad studying at the Holy Child Convent in Neuilly, France, where no doubt this particular book was of much help.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
49
Incredibly rare handwritten and signed card
by a 13-year-old Joseph Kennedy Jr., espousing his love for a fellow teenage girl 69
Joseph p. Kennedy, Jr.
Signed Easter Card
STARTING BID $300 Brother (1915–1944) of John F. Kennedy who served as a bomber pilot during WWII; he was tragically killed due to an airplane malfunction while flying a secret mission. Purple Easter card signed “Joe,” from 1928, measuring 4 x 2.75 closed and 8.25 x 2.75 open, bearing a printed sentiment and ANS from Kennedy inside, in full: “I love you. I wish you could say the same for me.” Includes the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Kennedy’s hand. Some scattered creases and a tear to the envelope, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the previous owner, stating that her mother, Nathalie Arnold, received this from Kennedy when she was 14 and he was 13; the sentiment resulted from a neighborhood game they played as children with active imaginations. This particular signed and handwritten card conveys a poignant and unique glimpse of an infatuated Joseph Kennedy Jr., hoping that a teenage romance would blossom during the Easter period of 1928. Anything signed by the ill-fated older brother of JFK is exceedingly rare, and this is one the limited few we have offered.
“Jack” sends an early letter fund-raising to the members of the Harvard class of 1940 70
John F. Kennedy
1945 Typed Letter Signed STARTING BID $500 Printed TLS signed “Jack,” in black ink, one page, 8.5 x 11, Harvard Class of 1940 letterhead, December 27, 1945. In part: “As the Class Secretary, Pete Pratt, is entangled with the U.S. Army, he has asked me to write you about the Class Report. The Class Report is ordinarily published at the time of our First Reunion, in our case, 1943. Due to circumstances beyond any of our controls, we have been unable to hold any semblance of a reunion. Now, however, our time has come and in June of this year we shall meet in Cambridge. You will be informed of that later…There is, as usual, the question of money. Our Class Fund has to its credit about $1300, invested in war bonds which our canny Treasurer, Donald MacDonald Dickinson Thurber, thinks is the best buy since Ponzi. McThurber, who we understand votes Republican in the Michigan elections, feels we should hold them until maturity. There are those who say that the money should be used to buy real estate in Nevada suitable for building a large underground cellar capable of holding 972 men of Harvard. That will be voted on in June.” A uniform shade of mild toning, some light creases to bottom portion, and two tack holes to top edge, otherwise fine condition. This rare early Kennedy signature is reproduced as #8 in Part I: Authentic Signatures in Andreas Wiemer’s monograph John F. Kennedy autograph study—early signatures. By this time, Kennedy had completed his military service and was employed as a special correspondent for Hearst Publications, arranged by Kennedy’s father through William Randolph Hearst, keeping his name in the public eye. Not very long after this letter came out, Kennedy would throw his hat in the ring for his first campaign for the Democratic 11th congressional district in Massachusetts.
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The making of a president
Early Jack Kennedy signature
on a rare first edition private printing of As We Remember Joe 71
John F. Kennedy
Signed Book: As We Remember Joe STARTING BID $1,000 Early signed book: As We Remember Joe. Privately printed. Cambridge, Massachusetts: University Press, 1945. Hardcover with protected custom-made Morocco leather and blue cloth slipcase, 6.25 x 9.25, 75 pages. Signed and inscribed in fountain pen on the first free end page, “For Dave and Mrs. Derginan, two old friends of Joe from Jack Kennedy.” Autographic condition: a mild rectangular block of toning over signature and inscription, as well as a bit of mild foxing over a couple words of inscription, otherwise fine. Book condition: VG+/ None. Burgundy cloth-covered boards with gilt titles; minor rubbing at corners and discoloration to endpapers from publisher’s glue, otherwise NF condition. In a beautiful custom-made, blue cloth-covered, two-piece slipcase; interior lined with marbled paper; spine done in navy leather with five raised bands, a red leather title-piece, and gilt lettering; in NF condition. With very few privately printed, this volume contains the reminiscences of family and friends of Joseph P Kennedy, Jr. JFK had this rare volume prepared as a 1945 Christmas gift for his immediate family and friend’s of his elder brother. A highly sought-after first edition, this book was limited to just 250 copies. As with all first editions of this extremely rare book, the title page is entirely in black and the pilots wings below the title are in red. Very few examples of this rare signed work with Kennedy’s early signature have been auctioned since 1980.
Senator Kennedy introduces the Ambassador to Great Britain to a dear friend from his grad school days at Stanford 72
John F. Kennedy
Mid-1950s Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $300 ALS signed “John Kennedy,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 6 x 8, United States Senate letterhead, January 16, no year [mid-1950s]. Letter to Winthrop Aldrich, US ambassador to Great Britain. In full: “This will introduce Henry James—who is working in London on an exchange program for a year. I would appreciate very much any assistance you may find it possible to give him.” In fine condition, with just a hint of subtle toning. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Kennedy’s hand.
HISTORY Following the success of his 1940 book, Why England Slept, a revised version of his senior thesis at Harvard, Kennedy enrolled at the prestigious Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he met fellow grad student Henry James, a Catholic from the prominent Randolph family of Virginia. The two became fast friends, and stayed close for the remainder of JFK’s life. James shared in some of Kennedy’s finest moments—his wedding to Jackie, his inaugural ball, and countless vacations at his Hyannisport home—and was also one of the few admitted to enter St. Matthews Cathedral for the fallen president’s funeral mass. Introducing Winthrop Aldrich, US Ambassador to Great Britain, to his longtime friend, this letter reaches back to Kennedy’s grad school days, highlighting one of the shining friendships of his life.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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The newly elected senator signs the lease for his Georgetown home at the start of a life-changing year
73
John F. Kennedy’s
1953 Signed Georgetown Lease Agreement STARTING BID $500
52
D
S three pages, 8.5 x 13, January 14, 1953. A 12.5 month lease agreement between Senator Kennedy and Samuel and Pearl Alexander for a property located at 3271 P Street, NW, Washington, DC, for a monthly rate of $575, commencing on January 15, 1953. Included in the residence were “all furniture, furnishings, such as drapes, curtains and the usual accessories, but not to include linens, blankets, glass or silverware, china, cooking utensils, etc,” leased by the Lessors who agreed to “maintain in good condition and repair the premises hereby demised, including the roof, walls, window screens, plumbing, kitchen range, water heater, electrical system, heating plant, and mechanical equipment therein contained,” signed at the conclusion by Kennedy, both of the Alexanders, and two others. The contract is housed in its original, slightly larger blue legal folder and is in fine condition, with light brushing to the “F” in Kennedy’s signature.
HISTORY Just weeks into his first term as senator of Massachusetts, Kennedy signed this lease agreement for a relatively modest fourbedroom Georgetown home, less than five miles from his new office. Not only did this residence see the start of the young politician’s senatorial career, it also saw the start of his life with Jackie. Escorting her to President Eisenhower’s Inaugural Ball less than one week after signing this lease, introducing her into the national political scene, the image of John and Jackie was forged during this time. Engaged shortly after and married in September of the same year, the couple likely remained at this address before moving to their new home at 3321 Dent Place as the year came to a close. A wonderful document from a year of new beginnings for the future president and his first lady.
The making of a president
74
John F. Kennedy
Signed Book: Profiles in Courage STARTING BID $200 Signed book: Profiles in Courage. Later printing. NY: Harper and Brothers, 1956. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.75 x 8.5, 266 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “To Wardman Barber—with my highest regards, John Kennedy.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/VG-.
Extraordinary notes from Kennedy’s private journal,
transcribed and authenticated by the woman who stood by his side from the Senate to the White House 75
John F. Kennedy
Senate-era Handwritten Notes STARTING BID $300 Kennedy’s unsigned handwritten notes on two off-white 4.25 x 7 lightly-lined sheets. Over 70 words in Kennedy’s hand, with complete transcriptions done by Evelyn Lincoln accompanying the piece. A sampling of the notes includes: “Mobilized resources however vast they may be.do [sic] not win wars—Barbara Ward Policy of the West,” “German armament; contingents no larger than brigade groups start at size of German force not to exceed 1/5 of all forces,” and “Says many communist in Italy are so because of domestic matters. Says one of the greatest difficulties of getting Italians to make war effort is that they do not feel that they are equal to other countries because of peace treaty.” A typed letter of provenance accompanies the notes and reads, “John F. Kennedy always kept a small, black notebook accessible so that he could jot down thoughts that came to him…After recording his thoughts he would tear out the page and keep it handy for future reference. The handwritten notes, which you now have in your possession, are two of those pages.” Archivally matted and framed with a portrait of Kennedy on the phone and jotting down some notes, with Lincoln’s transcripts affixed to reverse, along with the typed provenance, to an overall size of 24.75 x 17. In fine condition, with the writing on one page a couple shades light but still completely legible, and a couple trivial ink brushes to the second page. With a notable reference to British economist and Cambridge friend Barbara Ward’s Policy for the West, a book that greatly impacted Kennedy’s views on international politics, this item gives an extraordinary glimpse into the unedited thoughts of the future president. Oversized.
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Gratitude for a Harvard professor
who molded generations of Kennedys
54
The making of a president
76
John F. Kennedy
1957 Harvard Manuscript Draft
STARTING BID $1,000
U
nsigned autograph manuscript draft of a piece about Harvard University, titled at the top “Let Us Praise Great Men,” four pages, 8 x 10.5, no date but circa March 1957. Penned on the reverse of the last four pages of a ten-page photocopy of his speech on labor racketeering given on March 21, 1957, Kennedy jots down his thoughts on Harvard and its professors at the behest of editor Brooks Atkinson. In full (bracketed portions struck through): “Let us praise great men— [the teachers of Harvard] Professor Kittredge is supposed to have stopped one day, pointed to the Harvard Library, and stated that the entire college could burn down and if that Library continued to stand, the essence of Harvard would endure. I am inclined to think however that even the Library could have gone up in the general conflagration, and if Kittredge and his fellows had endured, [Harvard would have endured] for the essence of Harvard is not the buildings—the Library, however important their supporting functions may be. It is the teachers and the students and the interrelationships [with] between them. It is the teachers not the Library who are the organ of memory, distilling the knowledge of the past, and [passing] I knew many great teachers at Harvard [stimulating] who [effort] have [laborious] patiently attempted to show their [young charges] the enchantment of thought to young men who were more enchanted with life itself in this spring time of youths. But one teacher [standing out] known to generations of Harvard men stands out—Arthur Holcombe. [A teacher in American government he strives] Under his direction in a course in American Government, I discovered for the first time the distractions of the Congressional Record, as I studied for one term the progress eventual political extinguishment of an obscure junior Republican Congressman from upstate New York. But Prof. Holcombe’s greatest impact was not his vast erudition, but in personality and character. Dispassionate, [slightly] reserved, self-restrained, without illusions but idealistic, he [combined] all these qualities and principles, that made him ideally equipped
[for] to meet his responsibilities, as a teacher, and as a citizen. He taught my father, and forty years later my younger brother, and to them, and to all, he set a standard [that the] to which in later life, they all could repair. Deeply moved by the things which he thought important, he refused with wry detachment those debates over trivialities which are incidental to our limited imagination and harbor too closely around loneliness. One day he said to me after the 1946 election he said to me with cheerful pride, ‘I had the pleasure yesterday of voting for three of my former students, one for Senator, one for Governor & one for Congressman, and they were all elected.’ It did not matter to him that the party labels may be different, they had been his students and graduates of Harvard and that was enough.” In fine condition, with rusty staple holes to upper right corners. Accompanied by the six additional pages of Kennedy’s photocopied speech.
“He taught my father, and forty years later my younger brother, and to them, and to all, he set a standard to which in later life, they all could repair”
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HISTORY Asked to write a short piece about Harvard for the 1957 book College in a Yard: Minutes by Thirty-Nine Harvard Men, Kennedy took the opportunity to honor a professor who changed his life. Credited with establishing political philosophy and theory as basic disciplines in Harvard’s government curriculum, Arthur Holcombe taught some of America’s best and brightest from 1910 to 1955, including Joseph Kennedy, Sr. In the midst of hot-headed and energetic young men, ready to argue their side and stand their ground, Holcombe displayed many of the more mature qualities that Kennedy would carry with him as he began his political career: “Dispassionate, reserved, selfrestrained, without illusions but idealistic… all these qualities and principles…made him ideally equipped to meet his responsibilities, as a teacher, and as a citizen.” On November 5, 1946, Henry Cabot Lodge, Robert Bradford, and John F. Kennedy were elected to serve as Senator, Governor, and Congressman, respectively, no doubt partly due to their wise professor’s contributions. A touching and extraordinarily lengthy tribute to a man who helped shape the future president.
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The making of a president
Amazing
hand-corrected
manuscript for
a
1958
speech,
invoking FDR, T. S. Eliot, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Queen Elizabeth I 77
John F. Kennedy
Hand-Corrected Typed 1958 Speech Draft STARTING BID $1,000
O
riginal hand-corrected unsigned typed manuscript draft, 13 pages, 8 x 10.5, for an address at the Women’s Democratic Club Luncheon in Washington on March 13, 1958, annotated and corrected in pencil by Kennedy throughout the first six pages. The third page bears no notations and is on a slightly larger, brittle sheet; all other sheets are watermarked with the seal of the United States. At the top of the first page, Kennedy jotted down a few thoughts in his inscrutable hand, presumably for a humorous introduction before beginning his serious speech—some words and phrases appear to be “As an impromptu,” “Some times seems for him one who knew him well,” and “Two monkeys.” Discussing election results for Democrats, the text reads, “But let us not take victory for granted. I do not say that it will be easy. It will come to us only if we deserve it,” with JFK striking through the last two sentences and writing in the left margin, “I think the prospects are excellent.” On the second page, Kennedy crossed out two lengthy passages, one mentioning the space race with the Soviet Union, and the other regarding unemployment; he crosses
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out another couple of paragraphs on the fourth page that examine the perilous economic situation. Regarding the Democratically led Congress, Kennedy proclaims in the typescript, “We must exercise that leadership,” adding to the sentence by writing in the margin, “and we must do it now on a whole variety of fronts—at home and abroad.” Finally, the text at the bottom of the sixth page reads, “If we turn our attentions to the dangers we face abroad the theme once again is our crying need for leadership, for fresh ideas and action.” Below, Kennedy adds in pencil, “Therein lies our responsibility and our opportunity.” On the reverse of the final page, JFK has sketched a dory boat and added a brief numbered list. In this important political address, Kennedy also quotes FDR, T. S. Eliot, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Queen Elizabeth I. In very good to fine condition, with light central vertical folds, a rusty paperclip mark and impression to the upper left (affecting only the first and last page), and a few mild areas of staining throughout. An exceptional and absolutely one-of-a-kind item from Kennedy’s senatorial career.
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The future president and first lady
update their smallpox vaccinations for international travel 78
John and Jacqueline Kennedy
Signed Smallpox Vaccination Certificates STARTING BID $500
Smallpox vaccination certificates for John and Jacqueline Kennedy. John Kennedy’s yellow certificate measures 6 x 7, issued to “Senator John F. Kennedy,” signed near the top in black ink by Kennedy, and by his physician near the center, and dated September 18, 1957. Mrs. Kennedy’s measures 5.75 x 8.25, with the first line filled out in another hand, signed underneath, ”Jacqueline Kennedy,” and signed at the center by her physician stating that she has been revaccinated, and dated July 7, 1958. Both are matted together with a photo of the Kennedys cutting their wedding cake and a small plaque to an overall size of 21.75 x 25. In fine condition, with light stamps to both, and John Kennedy’s signature fairly light, but legible. Accompanied by a full letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA. A most unusual format from Kennedy’s second term as senator. Oversized.
“With best wishes from a friend of Ted Williams” 79
John F. Kennedy
1959 Signed Photograph with Inscription Mentioning Ted Williams STARTING BID $500 Vintage glossy 6.5 x 8.5 head-and-shoulders photo of John Kennedy, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Dee Jay—With best wishes from a friend of Ted Williams, John Kennedy.” Matted and framed with a vintage glossy 7 x 8.75 photo of Ted Williams in his Red Sox uniform, signed and inscribed secretarially (not by Williams personally), “To Dee Jay, Best wishes, Ted Williams 1959,” to an overall size of 18.75 x 13.75. In very good condition, with scattered creases and surface impressions to Kennedy’s photo, small area of surface loss to upper right of background, and a bit of irregular ink adhesion to signature and inscription. The Williams photo also has scattered creases and a light brush to sentiment. Like most Boston natives, Kennedy’s passion for the Red Sox ran deep. As a congressman and Massachusetts Senator, he frequently attended their games and knew Ted Williams, whom he referred to as ‘a great hero of my own home town,’ quite well. When his Special Assistant and close friend Dave Powers showed him the secretarially signed Ted Williams photo he got for his son David John (Dee Jay), Kennedy signed one of his own for the young boy—a wonderful token to a fellow fan and young member of the Red Sox nation.
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The making of a president
Careful notes
taken while pouring over a Senate report 80
John F. Kennedy
Handwritten Notes on Senate Letterhead STARTING BID $200 Unsigned handwritten notes on an 8 x 10.25 lightly-lined sheet of United States Senate letterhead. Kennedy has penned the notes while reading an unknown report, writing the page number to the left and adding his comments to the right. Notes read, in part: “108 Do we want – ‘not increases / proportionately’” “109 ‘is’ should be ‘are’” “112.…– Which are employers to /…wishes…away etc’ / Difficulty is that P.R. is /…- hard to / oppose them without looking…/ Important to…/ …” “113. Would not this be awfully / small.” “114. Are we sure of these examples. Pittsfield plant—not being / transferred I do not believe. Supposed to be additional / capacity at least for emergency. / Will be hurtful later.” In fine condition.
JFK’s personal lunch dish
from his Senate office 81
John F. Kennedy’s
Personally-used Senatorial Porcelain Luncheon Dish STARTING BID $200 Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used porcelain luncheon dish from his tenure in the Senate, 6˝ in diameter, decorated with a floral design in the center and gilted with 22-karat gold around the rim. This dish was kept in a china cabinet in Kennedy’s office and was used by his secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, in preparing his lunch. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Jacqueline Kennedy’s personal secretary, Mary B. Gallagher, in part: “Evelyn Lincoln and I began our career with the President in 1953, maintaining a very close friendship and working relationship...She felt that this dessert dish, which was such an integral part of the President’s daily lunch routine, would be an appropriate, sentimental remembrance of our Senate years together. She presented it to me upon moving from the Senate to The White House, which I tucked away in my china cabinet at home with an identifying note I typed on one of Mrs. Kennedy’s franked mailing labels.” Includes the typed identification note mentioned in the letter. Kennedy was a light eater and known to prefer a lunch of soup, a sandwich, and fruit. An uncommon item that was actually used by the senator and future president.
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Bookend from JFK’s US senate office,
later used in the White House
82
John F. Kennedy’s
Senatorial and Presidential Office Gold and Black Eagle Bookend
STARTING BID $1,000
60
A
n eagle bookend originally from John F. Kennedy’s senatorial office and later used in the White House. The bookend measures approximately 8.25 x 6, weighs approximately 1.5 pounds, and features an eagle with its wings outstretched and perched atop a circular base adorned with gold stars and a garland border. Bookend was originally acquired by Kennedy’s secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, who actually possessed several of these bookends from Kennedy. Accompanied by an April 12, 1982 letter of provenance from Lincoln to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, written on White House stationery, which A bookend of the same design reads, in part: “I would like for you to have this eagle bookcan be seen here at the front end. It was used in Senator Kennedy’s Senate office as well of JFK’s US Senate desk as later in the White House…The President accumulated several of these bookends. Being an avid reader, he always had books within easy reach.” In fine condition, with a minor chip on top half of the eagle’s left wing. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
The making of a president
Set of JFK’s bookends from the US Senate Office and
the White House 83
John F. Kennedy’s
Senatorial and Presidential Office Pair of Gold and Black Eagle Bookends STARTING BID $2,500
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A
set of handsome eagle bookends originally from John F. Kennedy’s senatorial office, and later used in the White House. The bookends measure approximately 8.25 x 6, weigh approximately 1.5 pounds each, and each feature an eagle with its wings outstretched and perched atop a circular base adorned with gold stars and a garland border. The bookends were originally acquired by Kennedy’s secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, who actually possessed several of these bookends from Kennedy. Accompanied by an April 12, 1982 letter of provenance from Lincoln to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “I would like for you to have this set of eagle bookends. They were used in Senator Kennedy’s Senate office as well as later in the White House…The President accumulated several pairs of these bookends. Being an avid reader, he always had books within easy reach…accordingly, the President required various places to display his books. One day while working in his Senate office, cartons of books arrived with such notable examples of American politicians such as John Quincy Adams, Sam Houston, Daniel Webster and Robert Taft…He was forever enhancing his knowledge as a scholar and statesman.” In fine condition with expected normal wear. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
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84
John F. Kennedy
Collection of 32 Senate Calling Cards STARTING BID $200 Collection of 32 original unissued personal calling cards of John F. Kennedy. Each card measures 3.25 x 1.5 and are imprinted “John Fitzgerald Kennedy, United States Senate, Massachusetts.” Cards retain most of their tissue paper separators and their original paper wrapping. Accompanied by a copy of a letter of provenance from Jacqueline Kennedy’s personal secretary, Mary Barelli Gallagher. In fine condition.
Immense archive
of early congressional records and proceedings 85
John F. Kennedy
Archive of Early Congressional Documents STARTING BID $200 Large and impressive archive of rare congressional publications and reports related to labor management from Kennedy’s early years in Congress, consisting of over 50 volumes, dated between 1937 and 1960, many of which mark important milestones in Kennedy’s political career. One such is a complete six-volume set of proceedings of the Amendments to the National Labor Relations Act: Hearings before the House Committee on Education and Labor, February 5 to March 15, 1947—Kennedy’s very first official congressional appearance. Following this is the Labor-Management Relations Act, 1947: Report of the Committee on Education and Labor, Report No. 245, April 11, 1947, which includes the Minority Report, and the Supplemental Minority Report by Kennedy, which was his first congressional speech. A rare first edition of the bitterly contested Taft-Hartley Act itself. A six-volume set of the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare’s publication of the Taft-Hartley Act Revisions: Hearings on Proposed Revisions of the Labor-Management Relations Act of 1947, March 24, 1953, to February 9, 1954, is also included—Kennedy was a member of the committee and attended and actively participated in most sessions. From near the end of his career in Congress is the Senate’s Final Report of the Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field, February 26, 1960, to March 31, 1960—Kennedy was a member of this committee, and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, had been chief counsel for it from 1957 to 1959. In overall very good to fine condition. A comprehensive collection pertaining to Kennedy’s important work on labor legislation, featuring many publications that are quite difficult to find.
62
The making of a president
The Max Lowenherz Collection ollowing the press frenzy surrounding the Kennedys’ wedding in September of 1953, the couple settled in to a relatively quiet and private life in their new Dent Place townhouse. With John focused on his responsibilities as Senator from Massachusetts and Jacqueline busy taking political history classes at Georgetown, the newlyweds enjoyed this brief period out of the limelight. Orlando Suero, staff photographer for Three Lions Picture Agency—keenly attuned to the appeal of the Kennedys and anticipating even greater interest in their future—saw a magnificent opportunity in this and, in April of 1954, proposed a story to Three Lions owner, Max Lowenherz: a life in the week of the upand-coming senator. Lowenherz approved immediately, and Kennedy, with his eye on the White House and a clear understanding of the PR value that a ‘private’ glimpse held, signed on, welcoming Suero and the incessant click of his camera to Washington. The twenty photo sessions that ensued during that week captured the balancing act that was the Kennedys’ life at the time, beautifully illustrating the professional, public, and personal facets in stunning detail. Whether at work—in his Senate office and at home, often with Jackie by his side; at play—tossing a football, painting in the sun, strolling down a sidewalk arm in arm; or at public events—dressing for formal occasions, preparing to host political dinners, attending galas; the charisma and grace that captivated the nation shines through in each image. When McCall’s ran some of Suero’s images, Jackie was so pleased with them that she wrote to the photographer exclaiming, ‘they are the only pictures I’ve ever seen of me where I don’t look like something out of a horror movie.’ In 2001, Johns Hopkins University Press published many of the photos for the first time in a book titled Camelot at Dawn. Directly from the collection of Max Lowenherz’s son, these original prints from Suero’s historic visit with the Kennedys are some of the finest we have seen, showing an idyllic period in the young couple’s life, displaying an openness and ease that would soon be shut off from the world, as they stepped into the constant public scrutiny that comes with American political success.
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86
89 90
87
88 64
The making of a president
91 86 | Perusing Wedding Photos*
STARTING BID $200
87 | Preparing for a
Formal Event STARTING BID $200
88 | Lighting the Candles for*
a Dinner Party STARTING BID $200
89 | Dinner Event*
STARTING BID $200
90 | Looking Down from 92
91 | Talking from Their Balcony
93
Their Balcony STARTING BID $200 STARTING BID $200
92 | Reading the Paper*
STARTING BID $200
93 | Painting in the Backyard
STARTING BID $200
* Published in Camelot at Dawn, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001. LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
65
66
94
97
95
98
96
99 The making of a president
100
94 | Leisure Time in the Backyard
STARTING BID $200
95 | Strolling Down a Washington Sidewalk*
STARTING BID $200
96 | Standing on a Georgetown Street Corner*
STARTING BID $200
97 | Playing Football in the Street
STARTING BID $200
98 | Crossing a Georgetown Street
STARTING BID $200
99 | Relaxing in the Backyard
STARTING BID $200
100 | Throwing a Football
STARTING BID $200
101 | Playing Football*
101
STARTING BID $200
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* Published in Camelot at Dawn, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001. 67
102 | Walking on
Capitol Hill* STARTING BID $200
103 | On the Steps
of the Capitol STARTING BID $200
104 | Conversing
at the Capitol STARTING BID $200
105 | Looking Out
Over Capitol Hill* STARTING BID $200
102
106 | Tending to Senatorial Correspondence STARTING BID $200 107 | Carrying
College Books STARTING BID $200
108 | Walking to Class at Georgetown University STARTING BID $200
109 | Glancing Through
Her Textbooks STARTING BID $200
* Published in Camelot at Dawn, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
68
103 The making of a president
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104
107
105
108
106
109 69
110
111
112
70
The making of a president
115
113
116 110 | Studying on Campus*
STARTING BID $200
111 | Political History Class*
STARTING BID $200
112 | Hanging One of John’s Paintings
STARTING BID $200
113 | Taking Gaully for a Walk
STARTING BID $200
114 | With Her Poodle, Gaully
STARTING BID $200
115 | Consulting over Dinner with RFK*
STARTING BID $200
116 | Conversing over Dinner with RFK 114
STARTING BID $200
* Published in Camelot at Dawn, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001. LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Striking image of Kennedy addressing a packed room of reporters during his
1960 campaign for the
Democratic nomination 117
John F. Kennedy
1960 Signed Campaign Photograph STARTING BID $500
U
nusual vintage matte-finish 19.25 x 9 photo by Tony Spina of Senator John Kennedy at a March, 26, 1960 press conference in Detroit, affixed to its original 19.5 x 11.75 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in black ink to political correspondent and journalist Earl Mazo, “For Earl Mazo—with warmest regards, John Kennedy.” Double-matted and framed with Tru-Vue glass to an overall size of 25.5 x 17.75. Some light staining to background at upper portion of image, a few light surface creases, and a bit of light spotting to bottom of mount, otherwise fine condition.
HISTORY According to archivists at the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne University, this remarkable photo was taken on the
72
evening of March 26, 1960, during a brief press conference at the Sheraton Book-Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. Seeking the Democratic nomination for the upcoming presidential election, Kennedy stood out in the Midwestern Democratic Convention; with this photo gracing the front page of The Detroit Free Press the following day, along with the announcement that the party heard the young senator’s ‘sound call to battle,’ he emerged as the clear front-runner heading in to the National Convention. Taken by Putlizer Prizewinning photographer Tony Spina—who would later go on to publish ‘This Was the President,’ featuring this photo on page 108—this photo shows a striking angle, capturing both the profile of Senator Kennedy and the crowd of journalists before him, reaching for his every word. The inscription to Earl Mazo holds special interest, as it was Mazo (a close contact and biographer of Richard Nixon, show on the left of the photo looking directly into the camera) who went on to spearhead the investigation into the alleged Democratic voter fraud of the 1960 presidential election. A fantastic piece, combining historical importance, visual interest, and a notable recipient.
The making of a president
Kennedy breaks rank
to sign a supporter’s hat in the final month of his presidential campaign 118
John F. Kennedy
1960 Signed Presidential Campaign Hat STARTING BID $500 Original 1960 John F. Kennedy presidential campaign hat. Molded white plastic hat measures 11.5˝ in diameter, with a red, white, and blue “Win With Kennedy” banner around the upper portion and a clipped circular portrait of Kennedy affixed to the top by two pieces of tape. Signed on the top image in black ballpoint by Kennedy. Signature was acquired at an October campaign rally in Paducah, Kentucky, and is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient. The letter reads, in part, “The John F. Kennedy autograph…was signed at a political rally at the airport in Paducah, Kentucky. It was either September or October 1960. My husband…had called to him so much that he came down off the platform to shake hands. I took off my hat and he signed it in our presence.” Also included are photocopies from the October 9, 1960, Paducah Sun-Democrat chronicling Kennedy’s visit and subsequent unscheduled handshaking. Tape on top evenly toned, a few small cracks to plastic, and a couple small tears to banner, otherwise fine condition. Despite Kennedy’s hands-on approach to campaigning through Kentucky, he would lose the state in the 1960 presidential election.
119
John F. Kennedy
1957 Signed Program Page STARTING BID $200 Vintage program page, 7 x 9.75, for the Nebraska Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner held on May 17, 1957, at the Sheraton-Fontenelle Hotel in Omaha, where Kennedy gave an address, signed in blue ballpoint by Kennedy. Note that since the prime rib dinner was on a Friday, printed along the bottom is the disclaimer, “Dispensation from law of abstinence for Catholics has been granted.” In fine condition, with a couple small newspaper remnants to signed side, and some light adhesive remnants to reverse. Kennedy had just begun to campaign nationally for the 1960 presidential nomination after narrowly losing the vice presidential nomination in 1956.
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73
Early preparation
for the crucial Wisconsin primary 120
John F. Kennedy
1959 Signed Program Cover STARTING BID $200 Original program cover for the Milwaukee Press Club Annual Gridiron Dinner held on April 9, 1959, 8.5 x 11, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Tim Schmidt, with best wishes, John F. Kennedy, U. S. S. Mass.” Front identifies Kennedy as a guest speaker at the dinner and reverse lists other prominent guests, including Jacqueline Kennedy and George Romney. In very good condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds (horizontal fold passing through the inscription), mild stain to lower border, and a slightly rough left edge due to removal from the main program. Wisconsin’s early Democratic primary, which would occur almost exactly one year after this dinner, made it a key state for Kennedy to win and prove his viability as a Catholic presidential candidate. This Gridiron Dinner was his first stop during a busy three-day tour of Wisconsin, which was designed to test the waters and garner support for his future campaign.
121
John F. Kennedy
1960 Presidential Campaign Photograph STARTING BID $200 Original vintage 19.75 x 14 matte-finish photo by UPI photographer Stanley Tretick, taken September 28, 1960, in Niagara Falls, New York, during a presidential campaign stop, showing Kennedy in a crowd of supporters, with a small child next to him with his finger in his nose. Photo is affixed to an identical size board with a printed news caption affixed to the reverse which reads, “Kennedy Tours Western New York / Niagara Falls, N.Y.: Democratic Presidential nominee Sen. John Kennedy holds an unidentified child after arriving here, Sept. 28th, on his campaign swing through western New York State.” Caption is also labeled in pencil, “Stanley Tretick UPI,” in an unknown hand. In fine condition, with a few scattered light surface marks and dings.
122
John F. Kennedy
Collection of 14 Presidential Campaign Items STARTING BID $200 Collection of 14 campaign items consisting of: a 3.5˝ red, white, and blue campaign photo button; a 21 x 24 campaign poster issued by the Business and Professional Men and Women for Kennedy/Johnson; a 45 rpm record for ‘All the Way / High Hopes,’ with Jack Kennedy; and eleven red, white, and blue ‘Kennedy for President’ badge-shaped campaign handbills. In fine condition, with a few small separations along poster storage folds, and some light toning to handbills.
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The making of a president
November 21, 1963 Camelot comes to Texas
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camelot comes to texas
The official passenger list
for the Kennedys’ final flight 125
John F. Kennedy’s
Air Force One Passenger List
STARTING BID $2,500
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
O
riginal passenger manifest from Air Force One for Kennedy’s November 1963 trip to Texas, 8 x 10.5, 6 pages, November 21, 1963. The first page identifies the plane as “VC-137C - 26000,” is stamped twice, “For Official Use Only,” and bears a ballpoint notation, “AF #1, Guard.” First page consists of the passenger list for the flight from Andrews Air Force Base to San Antonio on November 21, with especially notable passengers including “The President,” “Mrs Kennedy,” “Mr. David F. Powers,” “Senator Ralph Yarborough,” “Mrs Evelyn Lincoln,” and “Mr. Clint Hill.” This list was evidently used as a checklist to make sure everyone made it aboard. Page two is for their next flight later that day, from San Antonio to Houston, with the notable additions of “Governor Connally” and “Mrs Connally.” Following this is the list of passengers flying from Houston to Fort Worth, set to take off at 10:30 p.m. and land 45 minutes later. The most historic page is the
scheduled to “Arrive: Dallas, Texas – 1135 – 22 November 1963,” carrying “1. The President” &“2. Mrs Kennedy” fourth, for the flight from Fort Worth to Dallas on the morning of November 22, taking off at 11:15 a.m. and landing 20 minutes later at Love Field. Despite two more scheduled flights, this was the last Kennedy would take—he was assassinated during the motorcade from Love Field to the Dallas Trade Mart. Had the trip gone as planned, Kennedy would have left Dallas for Austin at 2:35 p.m., stayed the night, and flown to Dulles International
the following day at 2:15 p.m. Central vertical and horizontal folds and some soiling to the first page, otherwise fine condition. Originates from the estate of Sgt. Thomas Webb, the first crew chief of the Air Force One jet, a Boeing VC137C, tail number 2600 (as indicated in this manifest). Also accompanied by two LBJ pins and gallery admission card. A remarkable official piece from what would become a national day of mourning.
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“Let’s give a real Texas welcome to President and Mrs. Kennedy” 126
Texas Welcome Dinner
Invitational Information STARTING BID $200
TLS signed “Ralph W. Yarborough,” one page, 8 x 10.5, November 13, 1963. Invitation to the Democratic fundraising dinner planned for JFK’s arrival. In part: “A great event is taking place in Austin on Friday, November 22nd, when President and Mrs. Kennedy will be honored at a giant Democratic fund-raising dinner. Tickets for this outstanding evening, when Democrats will dine with the two first families of the land, are being sold at $100.00 each. Should you find it possible to attend, tickets for the dinner can be ordered from me…Let’s give a real Texas welcome to President and Mrs. Kennedy.” Stapled to the letter are copies of Governor Connally’s letter to Yarborough, as well as four pages of information from the party. In fine condition. Scheduled to occur on the night of Kennedy’s assassination, this dinner would never take place; Yarborough was riding in the convertible with LBJ at the time of the assassination, two cars behind the president’s.
127
Texas Democratic Telegram
Anticipating Kennedy’s Arrival STARTING BID $200
Original Western Union typed telegram sent to President Kennedy, one page, 8.25 x 6, October 28, 1963. Telegram sent by the chairman of the Democrat Women of Terry County, Texas. In part: “Democrats are anticipating your Texas visit November 21–23 63 in Dallas. Will it be possible for you to visit West Texas (Brownfield). Heavy farm vote. Just a few minutes of your precious time…Our five year old daughter, thinks every plane is bringing Caroline and John Jr, and of course Jackie.” In very good condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds, a few small edge tears, and toned adhesive remnants to upper corners.
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camelot comes to texas
A pair of emblem-adorned rotary phones from the presidential suite at the Hotel Texas—
which Kennedy used to make his final call 128
John F. Kennedy’s
Hotel Texas Presidential Phones
STARTING BID $500
P
air of cream-colored rotary telephones from the presidential suite of the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth, used by the Kennedys on November 21, 1963, the night before traveling to Dallas. Both were manufactured by Western Electric, embellished with White House emblems in the center of the dials, and installed in the hotel specifically for the president’s visit. In overall very good condition, with general scattered surface spotting and soiling, and a hairline crack above the dial of one phone; one phone retains its original four-prong plug at the end of the cord, and end of the other cord has been severed and plug is absent.
HISTORY
Embellished with white house Emblem in the center of the dials
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
When President and Mrs. Kennedy arrived at the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth, on November 21, they found the Presidential Suite, #850, perfectly to their liking, from the priceless artwork adorning the walls to the two Southwestern Bell phones installed just for their brief stay. On the morning of the 22nd, Kennedy left his room to speak at a breakfast hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce before heading outside to address a crowd of thousands. After departing for Dallas, the room was cleared—the art returned to the museums and private collectors who donated it for the day, and the phones returned to the Southwestern Bell warehouse. It was from there that a district sales and service manager (and staunch Kennedy supporter) bought the pair as souvenirs, taking advantage of his company’s policy of allowing employees to buy directly from the warehouse. A charming memento from the site of Kennedy’s final speech.
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John F. Kennedy
Photograph Greeting a Crowd in Fort Worth STARTING BID $200
Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of Kennedy greeting the large crowd, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition.
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Photograph Greeting a Crowd in Fort Worth
Photograph at the Podium in Fort Worth
STARTING BID $200
STARTING BID $200
Matte-finish 11 x 14 photo of Kennedy greeting the massive crowd, signed on the reverse in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition.
Semi-glossy 11 x 14 photo of Kennedy giving a speech behind a podium with the presidential seal prominently displayed, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition.
John F. Kennedy
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John F. Kennedy
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132
John F. Kennedy
Photograph Approaching the Podium in Fort Worth STARTING BID $200 Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of Kennedy approaching the podium with Johnson standing at the table, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In very fine condition.
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John F. Kennedy
Photograph Giving a Speech at Fort Worth’s Hotel Texas STARTING BID $200 Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of Kennedy giving a speech outside the Hotel Texas, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition.
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John F. Kennedy
Photograph Speaking at Fort Worth’s Hotel Texas STARTING BID $200 Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of Kennedy speaking outside the Hotel Texas, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition, with a ding to the lower right corner tip and slight brush to the end of the signature.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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John F. Kennedy and LBJ
Photograph Giving a Speech in Fort Worth STARTING BID $200 Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of Kennedy giving a speech in Fort Worth with LBJ visible in the background, signed in the lower right and on the reverse in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In very fine condition.
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John F. Kennedy and LBJ
Photograph Dining in Fort Worth STARTING BID $200
Matte-finish 14 x 11 photo of Lyndon B. Johnson leaning toward Kennedy while eating, signed on the reverse in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition.
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John and Jacqueline Kennedy
Photograph Dining in Fort Worth STARTING BID $200
Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of JFK dining with the first lady and vice president in Fort Worth, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition, with a brush to the first letter of Gordon’s last name.
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138
John F. Kennedy
Collection of Five Photographs in Fort Worth
STARTING BID $200 Five original unpublished glossy and pearl finish photos, all 11 x 14 and 14 x 11, of President Kennedy giving a speech in Fort Worth, arriving in Texas with Jacqueline Kennedy, and sitting next to Lyndon B. Johnson at the luncheon in Fort Worth. In fine condition.
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Texas Congressman Jim Wright
Signed Photo of Kennedy’s Final Speech STARTING BID $200
Glossy 10 x 8 photo of Kennedy’s final speech, in which he praised Wright’s service in Congress, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “For Larry Chenault, with very best wishes and poignant memories of a fateful day, Nov. 22, 1963, which began with President Kennedy’s speech to this enormous outdoor crowd in Fort Worth. Jim Wright, 2/22/96”; and an ALS, one page, 7 x 9.25, embossed congressional letterhead, February 22, 1996, in part: “I am sending the picture of the JFK appearance, with my inscription.” In overall fine condition.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Lincoln Continental used to transport
the Kennedys
to their final flight to Dallas 140
John F. Kennedy’s
November 22nd White Lincoln Continental STARTING BID $50,000
A
white 1963 Lincoln Continental used to transport President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Texas governor John Connally from a breakfast and speech at the Hotel Texas ballroom through the streets of Fort Worth to Carswell Air Force Base, where they boarded their short flight to Dallas on the morning of November 22, 1963. This car was loaned out by Bill Golightly, of Golightly Auto Sales in Fort Worth, for use by the president while he was in town. The automobile has been painstakingly restored by Lincoln specialist Baker Restoration of Putnam, Connecticut, with the engine having been replaced and body work and paint done as well. Most of the interior, including the red leather seats, is in its original condition.
HISTORY After the car was returned to Golightly, it was sold to David Pelham of Dallas in 1964. Pelham in turn sold the car to L. H. Hough, owner of the Museum of American Tragedy, in 1967, “for $10.00 and other valuable consideration,” where it remained until the museum closed in 1998 after Hough’s death; it was then sold at public auction. The car is accompanied by a notarized letter from Golightly stating he owned the car and sold it to Pelham in 1964. Also included is the bill of sale from Pelham to Hough, dated July 20, 1967, as well as other ownership documentation, including a partial 1972 agreement for the Allstate Exhibit Company to display the car for 15 weeks. Numerous photos from that morning show the Kennedys in this car, Jackie dressed in her pink Chanel suit and pillbox hat, driving through Fort Worth and arriving at the base. Used as an official vehicle to transport the First Couple, this car was given the designation of ‘Limo One,’ and became the last automobile to safely carry Kennedy before his tragic death in Dallas, making it a historically significant and oneof-a-kind piece marking the end of Camelot.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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142
Love Field Reception
Badge
STARTING BID $200 Original badge worn by Democratic Party members to greet Kennedy upon his arrival at Love Field, 3.25 x 2, marked “No. 977” on the reverse. The main text reads, “President Kennedy’s Visit to Dallas, November 22, 1963, Airport Reception.” In fine condition, with one extremely tiny tack hole to the “L” in “Dallas.” A rare item that allowed holders onto the tarmac to greet the presidential party as they came off of Air Force One.
Air Force One
touches down in Dallas 143
John and Jacqueline Kennedy
Photographs of Their Arrival in Dallas STARTING BID $200
One-of-a-kind vintage glossy 5 x 3.5 candid photos of John and Jacqueline Kennedy getting off of Air Force One during their visit to Dallas on November 22, 1963. The first shows them descending the stairs from the plane to the tarmac, and the second shows them greeting state officials in a receiving line immediately after exiting the plane. The negatives were not developed until the spring of 1964, thus the dates in the upper border. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from a previous owner, stating that they discovered these photos among their great aunt’s possessions and that the negatives have not been discovered, making these truly unique.
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Unique photos
of the president’s arrival 144
Dallas Motorcade
Photograph Album STARTING BID $200
Outstanding vintage photo album presented to Bob Turpen, 11 x 9, bearing presentation lettering on the front identifying the album as, “Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963.” Album contains 11 laminated photos separated by thin descriptive pages, depicting Kennedy’s and Johnson’s planes approaching and landing at Love Field, the motorcade as it passed Blanton Tower, and close-up images of the presidential limousine. In overall fine condition, with some foxing to descriptive pages. A nice collection of images from a generally unseen portion of the trip.
Over 30 original candids,
mostly unpublished, including one from the Dallas motorcade 145
John F. Kennedy
Original Candids Including One of the Dallas Motorcade STARTING BID $200
Collection of 32 mostly unpublished original candid glossy photos, ranging in size from 3.5 x 3.5 up to 5 x 3.5, including 16 color. The highlight of the group is a color photo of President and Mrs. Kennedy and the Connollys in the presidential limousine on the morning of his assassination. Other photos include Kennedy in another limousine, the Kennedys arriving at the airport of a tropical island, several photos of Kennedy lying in state in the Rotunda, images of his grave immediately after his burial, and photos of crowds assembling at Arlington. In fine condition.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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146
John F. Kennedy
Dallas Motorcade Photograph STARTING BID $100 Modern satin-finish 7 x 5 printed photo of Kennedy during the motorcade. In fine condition.
146 147
John and Jacqueline Kennedy
Dallas Motorcade Photograph STARTING BID $100
Vintage glossy 10 x 8 photo of John and Jacqueline Kennedy greeting the large crowds lining the streets during the motorcade. A crease to the lower right corner, otherwise fine condition.
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Dallas Motorcade
147
Photograph of the Presidential Limousine STARTING BID $150
148
Vintage glossy 8 x 5 photo of Kennedy in the presidential limousine during the Dallas motorcade, originally taken by a member of the general public. In fine condition. During the investigation, the Dallas Police Department asked the public to provide any photos they may have take during the motorcade; these were generally smaller snapshots, which were then enlarged by the police photo lab,as this one is. Originates from the estate of Sgt. Wilson Warren, the officer who booked Oswald when he was brought in. Accompanied by a membership card signed by Warren in black ballpoint.
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Dallas Motorcade
Photograph of the Kennedys and Connallys STARTING BID $100 Color glossy 12 x 8 second-generation close-up photo of the Kennedys and the Connallys in their limousine in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Creasing and adhesive remnants to borders and reverse edges, otherwise fine condition.
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150
The Kennedys and Connallys
Photograph Leaving Love Field STARTING BID $100
Color glossy 7 x 5 photo of the Kennedys and the Connallys leaving the airport in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Photo was originally taken by a person boarding another flight at the airport. In fine condition.
152
Dallas Trade Mart Luncheon
Set of Four Invitations STARTING BID $200
Four unused invitations to the Dallas Trade Mart Luncheon scheduled for November 22, 1963, measuring 7 x 9.75 open, bearing JFK postage stamps affixed to the upper right, three canceled in Dallas in 1967, and one canceled in Dallas in 1964. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope.
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Texas Welcome Dinner
Ticket
STARTING BID $100 Scarce original gold-colored ticket, number D4353, 4 x 2.5, to the ‘Texas Welcome Dinner’ presented in honor of President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, to be held at the Municipal Auditorium in Austin at 7:30 on November 22, 1963. In very fine condition. More than 5,000 Austinites were waiting to welcome President John F. Kennedy at a fundraising dinner on the final stop of his tour of Texas.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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The controversial and extremely historically important
Book Depository sixth-floor corner window
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154
Sixth Floor Window
of the Texas Book Depository
STARTING BID $25,000
T
he controversial and extremely historically important sixth-floor corner window from the Texas School Book Depository, originally removed six weeks after Kennedy’s assassination by the building’s owner, Colonel D. Harold Byrd. Recognizing the value of the window as a historical curiosity, Byrd instructed an employee named Buddy McCool to remove and replace it, according to a deposition and video testimony by McCool. He then hung it in the banquet room of his Vassar Street mansion, displayed beside other artifacts and mementos from his career, until his death in 1986. Byrd’s son, Caruth Byrd, inherited the window and in 1995 loaned it to Dallas’s Sixth Floor Museum for display to the public, where it remained
until 2007. The window is dark green on what was the interior and off-white on the exterior, with paint original to the time of the assassination. Beautifully presented in a custom display case. Lee Harvey Oswald was hired at the Texas School Book Depository on October 16, 1963, and was driven to work on November 22 by friend and co-worker Wesley Frazier, who said that Oswald was carrying a bag of ‘curtain rods.’ Charles Givens, another co-worker, testified to the Warren Commission that he last saw Oswald on the sixth floor of the Depository with a clipboard in his hand at approximately 11:55 a.m.—35 minutes before the assassination. An historically significant piece accompanied by extensive provenance material.
Sixth-floor view of Elm Street in Dealey Plaza
D. Harold Byrd with the window in his Dallas mansion LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
91
Complete pickets from the controversial fence
on the grassy knoll
155
Three Pickets of Fencing
from the Grassy Knoll STARTING BID $1,000
T
hree complete wooden pickets from the original wooden fence from the top of the grassy knoll which separated Dealey Plaza from the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad yards. Each picket measures 2 x 58.5 and remain nailed to their three wooden cross members, each of which measure 7.5 x 2.25 x 1.5. Accompanied by a copy of a 2013 notarized statement from Stanley J. Szerszen who states, “I…removed three pickets from the original fence at the grassy knoll, Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas (approx. Nov. ‘89). The middle picket is identified in a before and after photo. The other two pickets came from a different section of the original fence. I assembled the three pickets on a original horizontal member, leaving all original nails.” Also included are color copies of the before and after photos, with the picket identified. In fine condition, with expected wear and weathering. A theory still contested today infer a second gunman was located behind this fence, with some witnesses stating that they saw a puff of smoke coming from the knoll at the time of the shots. In 1979, the House Assassinations Committee concluded that a fourth shot, which missed, was fired from behind the fence. Arguably the largest piece from the polarizing relic.
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than 12 hours after Kennedy was “ Less cut down, charges were filed last night against 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald” 156
John F. Kennedy
Assassination Teletype STARTING BID $200
O
riginal teletype, 7.5 x 26, November 22, 1963, featuring a story by Frank Cormier. The story begins: “An arrogant renegade who once wanted to trade his country for the Soviet Union is charged with murder in the ambush assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Less than 12 hours after Kennedy was cut down in his ceremonial limousine by rifle bullets fired by a sniper, charges were filed last night against 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, who professed love for Russia and once tried to renounce his American citizenship. District Attorney Henry Wade of Dallas was asked if authorities were looking for anyone else in connection with the world-stunning murder. ‘There is no one else but him,’ Wake said.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 12 x 31. In very good condition, with light overall toning and all type uniformly faded, but still legible.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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The TWELVE ‘Willis Exhibit 1’ one of the most important slides pieces of evidence in the Warren Commission’s investigation
157
Collection of Twelve 35mm Slides Taken by Phil Willis STARTING BID $200
A
mazing collection of 12 color 35mm slides inside 2 x 2 mounts with typed notations, originally taken by Phillip Willis at Dealey Plaza on November 22, 1963, capturing the moments of Kennedy’s assassination. All 12 slides are identified with typed notations and accompanied by ten printed informational sheets giving brief descriptions of each image, each sheet signed in blue felt tip by Willis. These slides were reproduced in 1000 sets for resale purposes, and come sealed in cellophane. A selection of the slides include, with the slide’s notations listed first, followed by the description on the included sheets: #4—”His last wave—First shot 3 seconds away.” “Now on Elm Street in front of the Texas School Book Depository, the Kennedys and the Connallys radiate happiness…this was the President’s last wave.” #5—”Assassin’s 1st. Bullet strikes the President.” “According to eyewitnesses and verified by investigators, this slide was taken at the exact instant the first bullet struck the president from behind. Arrow points to president.”
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
#10—”Questioning of possible suspects.” “Possible suspects were questioned and released if found not involved, while others were taken to headquarters for further questioning, in the meantime, the biggest manhunt in Dallas history is under way.” #12—”Fatal bullets fired from this window.” “From this window…the assassin fired the three shots which so suddenly ended the life and career of John F. Kennedy…and caused grief and mourning in all civilized nations.”
HISTORY Standing near the curb at the corner of Houston and Elm Streets, World War II veteran and well-known Texas politician Phillip Willis took a series of color slides immediately before, during, and after the assassination. These twelve images served as ‘Willis Exhibit 1’ for the Warren Commission, before which he testified. The fifth image he took that day—showing the presidential limousine and its occupants, the United States Secret Service agents’ follow-up car and occupants, parade onlookers, and the grassy knoll visible in the background—was taken accidentally, when he was startled by the first of three gunshots he heard. This famous shot captured the image of the still-unidentified ‘black dog man’ on the grassy knoll, who many conspiracy theorists believe to be involved in the assassination. In his own testimony, however, Willis identified three shots from a high-powered rifle as coming from the Book Depository with certainty (combining his experience in World War II and his years as a deer hunter, he was confident in his assessment). An absolutely crucial piece of the investigation, these twelve slides captured the surroundings, crowds, and motorcade during the final moments of the president’s life.
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Scarce cellophane
Stock Exchange teletype of the events of November 22
158
John F. Kennedy
Assassination Cellophane Teletype Detailing the Event STARTING BID $500
R
are original Dow Jones News Ticker teletype reporting the events of November 22, 1963, from Kennedy’s prepared Trade Mart speech which he never gave to the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald, on 36 portions of transparent cellophane, originally all on one roll, each 5.75 wide and ranging 5.75 x 10.75 in length. These type of pages were used to project the news on large screens on the floors of the Stock Exchanges and as well as in stock broker office. Excerpts include (with grammar and spelling retained): “President Kennedy Shot Dallas—AP—President Kennedy was shot to day just as his motorcade left downtown Dallas—Mrs Kennedy jumped up and grabbed Mr Kennedy - She cried Oh No - The motorcade sped AP photographer James W Altgens said he saw blood on the President-s head Altgens said he heard two shots but thought someone was shooting fireworks until he saw the blood on the President… Kennedy was reported taken to Parkand Hospital…He lay on a seat of the car Bell reported three shots were fired as the motorcade entered the triple underpass…Pandemonium broke loose around the scene…Gov John B Connally of Texas also was cut-down by bullets The President was slumped over in the backseat of the car face down - Connally lay on the floor of the rear seat lt was impossible to tell at once where Kennedy was hit but bullet wounds in Connally-s chest were plainly visible in-r dic - were plainly visible indicating the gunfire might possibly have come from an automatic weapon.” “Two priests who were with Kennedy say he is dead of bullet wounds.” “Government sources said today that President Kennedy is dead.” “Kennedy 46 lived about an hour after a sniper cut him down as his limousine left downtown Dallas. Automatically the mantle of the presidency fell to Vice President Lyndon B Johnson who had been riding two cars behind the Chief Executive Johnson was whisked away by Secret Servicemen…The President was
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36 portions of transparent cellophane, ORIGINALLY ALL ON ONE ROLL
shot once in the head Connally was struck in the head and wrist Police found a foreign-make rifle.” “The Dallas Police Department today arrested a 24-year-old man Lee H Oswald in connection with the slaying of a Dallas policeman shortly after President Kennedy was assassinated. He was also being interrogated to see if he had any connection with the slaying of the President Oswald was pulled screaming and yelling from the Texas Theater in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas.” In fine condition, with clipped and rounded corners. The Dow Jones News Ticker was printed on two types of machines, hard copies and transparent cellophane for projection machines. While hard copies of AP, UPI, and Dow Jones teletype have been on the market before, this is the only transparent cellophane copy we have ever seen, used to project the news on large screens for stock brokers in large offices and on the floors of the Exchanges.
camelot comes to texas
The Suspect
Troubled teen, Marine, marksman, defector, husband, father, enigma
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Oswald’s wedding band,
left at his wife’s bedside the morning of the assassination 160
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Wedding Ring
STARTING BID $2,500
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O
ne of the most significant and personal items connected with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy—Lee Harvey Oswald’s gold wedding band. The gold band, with two stamps and one divot on the inside, was purchased in a jewelry store in Minsk before his marriage to Marina Prusakova on April 30, 1961. The stamps inside the band include one stamp with a star and “P583,” which is the metric equivalent of 14k in the United States, with the center of the star bearing a very small hammer and sickle stamp, and a “P101.” According to Marina Oswald, he left the ring on a night table next to her bed at Ruth Paine’s house in Irving, Texas, on November 22, 1963, the day of the Kennedy assassination. After Oswald’s arrest the ring was given to the United States Secret Service by Paine on December 2, 1963, and then to a Fort Worth lawyer, Forrest Markward, who joined the firm of Brackett
and Ellis. The ring remained at the firm until it was discovered among Markward’s files after his passing, and eventually returned to Marina in 2012. The ring is accompanied by its original manila Treasury Department Secret Service evidence envelope, labeled at the top, “Wedding ring,” with a typed receipt stapled to the front which states: “Receipt is hereby acknowledged of a gold wedding band which had been turned over to the United States Secret Service on December 12, 1963, by Mrs. Ruth Paine.” The band is also accompanied by an amazing, one-of-a-kind five-page handwritten letter from Marina Oswald Porter, dated May 5, 2013, documenting the history of the ring from its purchase to its return almost 50 years later. The letter reads, in part (spelling and grammar retained): “That is the only item of Lee’s that has been returned to me and
the suspect
it took almost 50 years…At this time of my life I don’t wish to have Lee’s ring in my possession because symbolically I want to let go of my past that is connecting with Nov. 22, 1963.” Also included is a July 24, 2012, letter from Luther Ellis of Brackett and Ellis informing Mrs. Porter of the discovery of the ring in Markward’s files. The letter states: “I am writing you concerning a gold ring which appears to be a wedding band that may have belonged to Lee Harvey Oswald at the time of his death.” Also included is Marina and June Porter’s July 27, 2012, response to Ellis, stating the ring was left in Marina’s room at Ruth Paine’s home, and asking for its immediate return.
image above: Three inside stamps, including a star with the soviet hammer and sickle.
HISTORY When asked during the Warren Commission proceedings if this was the first time during her married life that Lee had ever left his wedding ring at home, Marina replied that it was—a comment that bolstered the claim that Oswald knew what lay ahead that day. Mentioned a second time in the proceedings in an exchange between Chairman Earl
Image above: 1963 secret service reciept for the seized ring.
Seized by the Secret Service
& held by an attorney for almost 50 years, with provenance directly from his widow Warren, General Counsel Lee Rankin, and William McKenzie, McKenzie requested the return “of everything Mrs. Oswald has previously furnished the Commission…In particular there is a wedding ring that I would like to ask the Commission to return at this time.” Warren advised him that nothing would be returned that day, but that the Commission would give it consideration. Marina would not see the ring until nearly fifty years later. Left by Oswald on that fateful November 1963 day, this ring and the money on the dresser have been interpreted by many as Oswald’s final farewell to his wife. A superlative item of great historical significance and intrigue, well-documented and newly discovered by the last living major figure of the Kennedy assassination, and offered for public auction for the first time.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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One-of-a-kind original WEDDING photo,
annotated by Oswald, “April 30, 1961, Marina - Lee” 161
Lee and Marina Oswald
1961 Wedding Photograph Annotated by Lee STARTING BID $500 Original satin-finish 3.5 x 5.5 photo of Lee Harvey Oswald and his wife Marina on their wedding day, annotated by Lee on the reverse in blue ink, “April 30, 1961, Marina Lee.” In fine condition, with a small area of surface loss to reverse upper left blank area (not at all affecting the writing or image), and a central strip of adhesive remnants to reverse where Warren Commission label was once affixed; this was exhibit 314-A. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald.
HISTORY When nineteen-year-old Marina Prusakova accepted Oswald’s proposal after just two months of courtship, the couple filed notice of their intent to wed and requested the special consent necessary for an alien to marry a citizen, waiting the usual ten days for approval. According to Oswald’s diary, ‘two of Marinas girl friends act as bridesmaids. We are married. At her aunts home we have a dinner reception for about 20 friends…who wish up happiness (in spite of my origin and [accent]…)’ According to Robert Oswald, this is the original photo that Lee sent from Russia to his mother in Texas, making it an even more exceptional and irreplaceable keepsake.
Lovely wedding portrait of Oswald’s bride,
Warren Commission exhibit 314-B 162
Marina Oswald
1961 Wedding Photograph Annotated by Lee STARTING BID $500 Original semi-glossy 3.5 x 5.5 photo of Marina on the day of her wedding to Lee Harvey Oswald, annotated by Lee on the reverse in blue ink, “Marina, Wedding Day, April 30, 1961.” Reverse also bears an original Warren Commission label with text blacked out; this was exhibit 314-B. In fine condition, with a small area of surface loss to reverse upper left blank area (not at all affecting the writing or image). Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald, which states that Lee gave this photo to their mother. A beautiful and one-of-a-kind family photo.
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the suspect
“Marina, Summer 1961, Minsk, U.S.S.R.” 163
Marina Oswald
1961 Photograph Annotated by Lee STARTING BID $300 Original glossy 3.25 x 4.5 deckle-edge snapshot photo of Marina sitting outdoors on a nice day, annotated by Lee on the reverse in blue ink, “Marina, Summer 1961, Minsk, U.S.S.R.” In very good condition, with a noticeable horizontal crease across the upper portion (touching the top of her head). Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald, which states that Lee gave this photo to their mother. A lovely and unique photo of Marina from shortly after their wedding, identified by Oswald himself. Oswald’s own copy of this photograph was found in his wallet at the time of his arrest.
Warren Commission exhibit 304B:
“We walk here sometimes” 164
Lee Harvey Oswald
Signed and Inscribed 1961 Russian Postcard STARTING BID $500 Exceptional vintage glossy 3.75 x 2.25 Russian postcard photo of a street in Minsk originally sent to his brother, described and signed on the reverse in blue ink, “Robert, We walk here sometimes. Lee.” Label affixed to the reverse reads, “Commission Exhibit No. 304B.” In fine condition. Originally used as evidence during the Warren Commission hearings, Oswald enclosed this postcard photo and two others in a letter to his brother sent on August 21, 1961 [letter was Commission Exhibit 303]. At the time he sent this, Oswald was desperately trying to leave the USSR and return to the United States, but encountered difficulties from both countries in arranging the paperwork for his wife and newborn daughter.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Christmas candy for ‘Mama,’ sent from Russia in 1961
165
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
1961 Russian Candy Box Sent to His Mother STARTING BID $200 Original Russian Christmas candy box that Oswald sent home to his mother, flattened to 5 x 10, featuring an image of Santa with a die-cut cornucopia below (presumably to display the candy it once contained). Includes a portion of the original mailing envelope postmarked Minsk, December 1, 1961, addressed in Marina Oswald’s hand. In very good condition, with a few significant tears to lower portion of the box, and a stain to the lower left. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald. In her testimony before the Warren Commission, Marguerite mentioned this present: ‘Lee and Marina had sent me wonderful gifts, and I have the gifts, from Russia. A box of tea, very fine tea, a Russian scarf, pure linen napkins, embroidered with my initial, a box of candy for Christmas that has a Russian Santa Claus on it.’ A rare item directly related to Oswald’s life in the Soviet Union as well as the Warren Commission investigation.
Struggling upon his arrival in the USSR, Lee requests money from home 166
Lee Harvey Oswald
1960 Foreign Money Transfer Receipt STARTING BID $300 Receipt for a foreign money transfer issued by the First National Bank of Fort Worth, Texas, number 142688, one page, 7.25 x 5.5, January 22, 1960. Oswald’s mother sends him money while he was in the Soviet Union. In part: “Received from Mrs. Marguerite Oswald…U. S. Dollars $26.65 for transfer of…$25.00 by Air Mail to Mr. Lee H. Oswald (against his receipt to be forwarded to us,) c/o Hotel Metropole, Moscow, Russia.” Signed at the conclusion by Otis Withers, assistant vice president of the bank. In very good condition, with a central horizontal fold, overall creases, and a tape-repaired tear to the lower edge. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald, and a newspaper article from 1998 regarding an FBI bank monitoring program that had picked up the transaction. Mrs. Oswald was sending Lee $25 to pay back part of a loan he had given her while still in the US; this transfer came after she attempted to mail him a check, which he returned with a note saying that ‘Could not use the check, of course...also short of cash and need the rest.’ She then mailed him cash, which was returned to her after he couldn’t be located. This transfer was her successful final attempt at sending money to her child, who was a world away.
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the suspect
167
Marina Oswald
1962 Russian Customs Declaration Form STARTING BID $200
Manuscript partly-printed DS in Russian, one page, 8.25 x 5.75, February 13, 1962. Customs declaration form for a package sent from Lee Harvey Oswald to his mother from Minsk, addressed by Marina to “Mrs. M. Oswald, Box 982, Vernon, Texas.” In fine condition, with a central vertical fold. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald, stating that this was Lee’s retained copy of the customs form.
“Lee arriving Dallas Love Field 7:30 PM tonight” 168
Lee Harvey Oswald
1962 Telegram Announcing His Return to the United States STARTING BID $300 Original Western Union typed telegram sent to Robert L. Oswald to notify him of Lee Harvey Oswald’s return to the US, one page, 8 x 5.75, stamp-dated June 14, 1962. In full: “Lee arriving Dallas Love Field 7:30 PM tonight, Flight 821.” Telegram was sent by Janet F. Ruscoll of the Special Services Welfare Center in New York. In very good condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds, overall creases, and a couple edge tears. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald. Returning from the USSR, the Oswalds arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on June 13 via the ocean liner SS Maasdam, and the following day took Delta Flight 821 to Dallas. Upon his his arrival at Love Field, Oswald was disappointed that they received absolutely no attention from the press—he had even prepared answers to questions he anticipated being asked at press conferences or interviews.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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Preparing his return to the States and fearing prosecution,
Oswald asks his brother to keep an ear out
104
the suspect
169
Lee Harvey Oswald
1962 Autograph Letter Signed
STARTING BID $2,500
A
LS signed “Lee & Marina,” three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 8, January 30, 1962. Letter to his brother Robert. In full (spelling and grammar retained): “Well, I haven’t heard from you for quite a while either you’re not writing or your letters aren’t getting through to me. I told you in my last letter that we have finilly been granted exit visa’s for leaving the Soviet Union we’ll probably be in the states in the spring. You once said that you asked around about weather or not the U.S. goverment had any charges against me, you said at that time ‘no,’ maybe possible now that goverment knows I’m coming they’ll have something waiting. Mother wrote me a letter the other day in which she informed me that the Marine Corps had given me a dishonorable discharge in Nov. 1959. Did you know this? Of course, this is not too bad, since it relives me of reserve duty, but still I should take this into account
a slight vertical wrinkle passing between names in the signature (neither of which detract from the terrific overall appearance of the letter), and a trimmed top edge where Warren Commission label was once affixed; this was exhibit 314. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
History Concerned that his actions in the Soviet Union would make him a target upon his return to the States, Oswald sought his brother Robert’s help in gathering as much information as possible regarding any issues the government may have with him before he arrived. In the letter to John Connally referenced here, Oswald demanded that the then-secretary of the Navy ‘repair the damage done’ to him and his family with the dishonorable discharge, menacingly exclaiming, ‘I shall employ all means to right this gross mistake or injustice to a boni-fied U.S. citizen and ex-serviceman.’ By the time Connally received the letter, he was no longer with the Navy, having announced his retirement at the close of 1961 to run in the upcoming gubernatorial election, and happily passed it to his successor, washing his hands of Oswald until the two would meet again on that tragic day in November—the only other victim in the shooting that killed Kennedy, Connally was seriously injured while riding in the president’s car, suffering from major wounds in his chest, wrist and thigh. Combining pleasant personal conversation—“by the time you get this letter you’ll be pretty close too being an uncle”—with comments revealing his constant fear of persecution— “maybe possible now that goverment knows I’m coming they’ll have something waiting”— this is a fascinating letter offering a glimpse into Oswald’s thoughts just months before returning to Texas.
“If you find out any information about me, please let me know, I’d like to be ready on the draw so to speak”
I wrote a letter to John B. Connally Secretary of the Navy who lives in Ft. Worth asking about my dishonorable discharge maybe you could ask him to look into the case since I don’t know whether the Russians will let that letter through. You said you were sending us something but be still having gotten anything don’t worry packages are very slow coming and going. The Embassy said they will see about a loan for us when we leave so it seems our money problem will not be too acute. Marina still has a month too go so by the time you get this letter you’ll be pretty close too being an uncle. March 1 is the big day. Marina sends her love to all, as I do hope to see you all soon. I really don’t know where we’ll settle I’d sort of like New Orleans. How’s the hunting out at the farm? How the weather and all? If you find out any information about me, please let me know, I’d like to be ready on the draw so to speak. We’ll keep writing until we get ready to leave so don’t quit writing.” In fine condition, with a couple unobtrusive stains,
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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the suspect
“
I beseech you, Senator Tower, to rise the question of holding by the Soviet Union of a citizen of the U.S., against his will and expressed desires 170
LEE HARVEY OSWALD
1961 Autograph Letter Signed to Senator Tower STARTING BID $2,500
R
emarkable and historically significant ALS signed “Lee H. Oswald,” one page, 8 x 11.25, no date but December 1961. Letter to Senator John Tower of Texas. In full (spelling and grammar retained): “My name is Lee Harvey Oswald, 22, of Fort Worth up till October 1959, when I came to the Soviet Union for a residenual stay. I took a residenual document for a non-Soviet person living for a time in the USSR. The American Embassy in Moscow is familier with my case. Since July 20th 1960, I have unsucessfully applied for a Soviet Exit Visa to leave this country, the Soviets refuse to permit me and my Soviet wife, (who applied at the U.S. Embassy Moscow, July 8, 1960 for immigration status to the U.S.A.) to leave the Soviet Union. I am a citizen of the United States of America (passport no. 1733242, 1959), and I beseech you, Senator Tower, to rise the question of holding by the Soviet Union of a citizen of the U.S., against his will and expressed desires.” Oswald also writes his return address in the upper right, “Lee H. Oswald, Ul. Kalinina 4-24, Minsk, U.S.S.R.” Also includes five original copies of letters and memos regarding Oswald’s request: two are retained copies of letters sent to Oswald in Minsk, and three are internal memos discussing the matter. One such memo, in part: “On November 2, 1959, Mr. Oswald swore to the following affidavit: ‘I affirm that my allegiance is to the Soviet Socialist Republic.’ He requested that his American citizenship be revoked. He now wishes to return…Senator should not become involved in such a case—therefore State will report to us the course which they will follow.” In very good condition, with scattered creases, a
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
”
tear and heavier creasing to the bottom edge, paperclip impressions and numerous tack holes to the upper left, and a subtle diagonal streak of staining passing below the signature; technical flaws are mentioned for the strictest of accuracy, and the overall letter is boldly penned and quite visually appealing. Accompanied by a glossy press photo of the letter, stamp-dated on the reverse November 1963.
HISTORY After the arduous process of getting his US Passport returned, Oswald faced the tougher challenge of obtaining exit visas for himself and his now-pregnant wife from the Soviet government. After months of embassy visits and extreme pressure from Marina’s friends, coworkers, and family members to remain, Oswald grew impatient and penned this letter to Senator John G. Tower of Texas, requesting US intervention in the process. With explicit information contradicting Oswald’s claims of unwavering loyalty to the US, the Senator decided not to get involved, referring the letter instead to the State Department, where no further action was taken. Despite Tower’s lack of assistance in the matter, he faced harsh criticism following the assassination as pieces of this letter were widely published—in the news and again in the Warren Commission report—and found himself defending against accusations that he facilitated Oswald’s return. Believed to be lost, this extraordinary letter was discovered in Senator Tower’s home following his death in 1991; a remarkable find, and certainly one of the most important Oswald letters known.
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171
Hands Off Cuba!
1963 Handbill Designed by Oswald STARTING BID $300 Rare original vintage “Hands Off Cuba!” handbill, one page, 6 x 9, which Oswald designed, had printed, and distributed in New Orleans during the summer of 1963. Goldenrod-colored handbill reads, in full: “Hands Off Cuba! Join the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, New Orleans Charter Member Branch, Free Literature, Lectures, Location: [blank area], Everyone Welcome!” In fine condition, with three horizontal folds. Accompanied by a glossy press photo featuring images of the flyer and of Oswald handing it out, as well as a certificate of authenticity from University Archives. On May 26, 1963, Oswald wrote to the headquarters of the pro-Castro Fair Play for Cuba Committee informing them that he wanted to organize a chapter in New Orleans. He began by ordering 500 application forms, 300 membership cards, and 1000 of these “Hands Off Cuba!” flyers from a local printer. According to the Warren Report, Oswald passed out these handbills on at least three occasions.
A run-in with the New York police at age 13 172
Lee Harvey Oswald
1953 Arrest Card
STARTING BID $200 Original New York Police Department partly-printed arrest disposition card for Lee Oswald, one page, 6 x 4, April 16, 1953. Oswald, age 13 of 825 East 179 St. and student at “P.S. 44,” is arrested for “Juv. Del.” with a specific offense of “Warrant, Habitual Truant.” The arrest was made at the request of James Brennan, an attendance officer with the Board of Education. In very good condition, with overall creases and a punch hole to the lower left. Originally obtained by a longtime NYPD officer in charge of disposing of old records after they were committed to microfilm. In interviews with the police, Oswald said that he had better things to do than go to school, and disliked his teachers and classmates. Because his mother was ineffective in ensuring that Oswald went to school, he was remanded to Youth House for psychiatric observation. Here, a doctor determined that Oswald’s difficulties resulted from ‘emotional isolation and deprivation, lack of affection, absence of family life, and rejection by a self involved and conflicted mother,’ and recommended that he go to therapy with a male psychiatrist to help substitute for the lack of a father figure.
108
the suspect
The 15-year-old in the Civil Air Patrol 173
Lee Harvey Oswald
1955 Civil Air Patrol Photograph STARTING BID $300 Vintage matte-finish 3.25 x 4.25 portrait of Oswald in his Civil Air Patrol uniform, annotated on the reverse in blue ballpoint by his mother,”Lee, age 15 1/2 Civil Air Patrol picture taken in N. O. La. [New Orleans, Louisiana], Enlargement made at,” with an arrow pointing to studio stamp, and signed by her, “Marguerite Oswald.” In very good condition, with a vertical crease to the left border and moderate mounting remnants to reverse from previous display in a scrapbook (affecting Marguerite’s notations and signature, though most writing is legible and showing through remnants). Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from University Archives. Marguerite initially sold the photo to Dr. John Lattimer, a notable researcher of the Kennedy assassination. In 1955, Oswald joined a squadron of the Civil Air Patrol in New Orleans, where one of the instructors was the mysterious David Ferrie—a name that would come up in future investigations of the assassination. An incredible photograph from Oswald’s youth with direct provenance from his mother.
Football player pieces from Oswald’s game,
mentioned in the Warren Report by his mother
174
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
1956 Football Game Pieces
STARTING BID $200
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
Collection of 15 football player pieces from Lee Harvey Oswald’s electric football game which he bought when he was 16. Molded red and yellow plastic pieces all measure approximately one-inch tall with some in a three-point stance and others standing upright. Oswald’s mother, Mrs. Marguerite Oswald, testified before the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C., on the morning of February 12, 1964. She said, “Lee took his money out of the Homestead, which was approximately $150, or something like that. And Lee Harvey Oswald bought an electric football machine cost approximately $10. He bought a bow and arrow set—maybe about $6 or $7. And he bought a gun.” In fine condition.
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Oswald’s first handgun,
sold to his brother for $10 after being told “that he had no business having a gun” 175
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Revolver
STARTING BID $2,500
The left side of the frame below the hammer is punch-dot engraved “LEE” over what appears to be a “VL.”
110
T
his is an antique Iver Johnson First Model Safety Automatic Hammerless Top Break revolver, serial #4942, caliber .38 S & W centerfire, with a 3.25˝ barrel and factory checkered hard rubber grips with the owl’s head pattern at the top. The revolver retains 95 percent of the original nickel-plated finish with only traces of blue on the triggerguard. The hammer and trigger have a good deal of case colors remaining. The first sight blade is missing and the bore is in very good condition with sharp rifling and a couple of small patches of light corrosion. The left side of the frame below the hammer is punch-dot engraved “LEE” over what appears to be a “VL.” The mechanism works well, however the spring on the cylinder catch is weak and the cylinder will sometimes rise higher on the arbor than it should when the revolver is opened to eject the shells. This is undoubtedly what Lee’s older brother Robert L. Oswald referred to when he told Lee that “the cylinder was off center and...dangerous to fire.” To a knowledgeable shooter this condition does not affect the safety of the revolver, only the ease of reloading.
Included is a letter from Lee’s brother, Robert L. Oswald, telling the story of the gun, in part: “In early October 1956, Mother found out that my brother Lee had gotten a pistol. She was scared to death of guns. At the time, my mother, Lee and I were living in an apartment in Forth Worth, Texas…I told Lee that he had no business having a gun. I don’t know where it came from, how he got it, or where he got it. I told him I’d give him ten dollars for it….Lee turned 17 ten days later, on October 18th, and on October 24, 1956, he joined the Marines.” The letter also holds two images of the check that Robert wrote to his brother as payment for the gun, with the back of the check clearly showing Lee Harvey Oswald’s signature. In her testimony before the Warren Commission, Lee’s mother Marguerite told the same story, although she placed it a few months earlier while they were in Louisiana; taking into account the fact that Robert did not join Lee and Marguerite in New Orleans, it is most likely that the timing was simply misremembered by Marguerite. Never before offered for sale, this is an absolutely unique piece of American history; it will transfer as an antique with no restrictions under Federal law. the suspect
Wooden bow mentioned
in the Warren Commission testimony 176
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
1956 Wooden Bow
STARTING BID $1,000 Wooden bow and leather arm guard purchased by 16-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald in New Orleans. Bow measures 68˝ long and pulls 36 pounds at a draw length of 28 inches. Bow also has a leather-wrapped belly and is stamped above the leather, “AO / 68˝ / 36˝ / 28˝.” String is not present. The brown leather arm guard was worn by Oswald on his forearm to prevent damage from the bowstring. The tying strings are not present on the guard. The bow is mentioned in testimony given by Oswald‘s mother Marguerite to the Warren Commission on February 12, 1964. She testified, in part: ‘While Lee was working for Tujague & Co. he started to have a bank account, and it was in a Homestead…Lee took his money out of the Homestead, which was approximately $150, or something like that. And Lee Harvey Oswald bought an electric football machine cost approximately $10. He bought a bow and arrow set—maybe about $6 or $7.’ In fine condition, with expected wear, particularly to belly of the bow.
Scarce yearbook
from his final stint in school 177
Lee Harvey Oswald
High School Yearbook STARTING BID $200 Original 1957 Arlington Heights High School ‘Yellow Jacket’ yearbook, 8.25 x 10.75, 151 pages, depicting Oswald in his 10th grade biology class on page 104. Caption below the photo reads, “Bing! You’re hypnotized, says Janet Bolin to Lee Oswald in the old bio lab.” In fine condition, with signatures of various students to pastedowns and some inner pages. Oswald had enrolled in 10th grade at Arlington Heights for the fall semester, attending for a just a few weeks before dropping out on September 28 to join the Marines.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
“Lee Harvey OSWALD, has successfully passed the mental, moral, and physical examinations required”
to join the US Marines
178
Lee Harvey Oswald
1956 US Marine Corps Certificate of Acceptance STARTING BID $300
United States Marine Corps document filled out in type, one page, 10.75 x 8.25, Dallas, Texas, October 24, 1956. A “Certificate of Acceptance” notifying Oswald’s mother, “Mrs. Marguerite OSWALD,” of his admission into the Marines. In part: “I am very pleased to notify you that your son, Lee Harvey OSWALD, has successfully passed the mental, moral, and physical examinations required of applicants and today was accepted for service in our Country’s proudest military service, the United States Marine Corps. On behalf of our President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Director of the Eight Marine Corps Reserve…I congratulate you on the choice your son has made.” Certificate bears a stamped signature of Captain R. K. Jones at the conclusion and an embossed Marine Corps seal to the lower left. Laminated onto the reverse is Oswald’s original “examinee’s copy” of his “military test report,” issued on April 7, 1959, showing scores from GED tests he had completed on March 23; Oswald had dropped out of high school to join the Marines immediately after becoming eligible at age 17. In fine condition, with toned tape remnants to corners of certificate; the laminate was used only to affix the GED document to the reverse and does not affect the front. A particularly interesting association between his acceptance to the Marines and his GED scores, as Oswald had dropped out of high school in early October in order to join the military.
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Lee Harvey Oswald’s
US Marine Corps Knife STARTING BID $2,500 O swald’s personally-owned and -used fixed-blade knife and leather sheath issued by the United States Marine Corps, approximately 11.25˝ in length, featuring an unmarked steel blade, stacked leather handle, and metal ring at the bottom. Oswald lightly carved his initials, “LHO,” into the leather on the reverse of the sheath, which is indiscernible to the human eye. In very good condition, with general marks and wear from use. Accompanied by letters of authenticity from his brother, Robert L. Oswald, in part: “’This was his Marine knife which he later used when we hunted.”
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the suspect
Amazing official
USMC
raincoat issued to Oswald stenciled with his name
181
180
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
US Marine Corps Raincoat STARTING BID $1,000
O
swald’s personally-owned and -worn long double-breasted raincoat issued by the United States Marine Corps, dark green, size 38R, stenciled inside the collar area, “L. H. Oswald.” His name is also stenciled inside the belt, which is included. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from University Archives and notarized letter from Robert L. Oswald, in part: “’Lee wore this coat during the period of time from his enlistment in 1956 until his discharge in September 1959. Before leaving for Europe in September 1959, Lee left this very coat with me in my Fort Worth home.” An outstanding piece with impeccable provenance, this is the only clothing officially issued to Oswald offered in this auction.
stenciled inside the collar area, “L. H. Oswald.” His name is also stenciled inside the belt LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
113
Page after page of targets marked with clustered shots in Oswald’s own hand
114
the suspect
The young Marine’s
rifle training score book 181
LEE HARVEY OSWALD’s
US Marine Corps Rifle Score Book STARTING BID $2,500
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
O
swald’s personally-owned and-used softcover workbook entitled “U. S. Marine Corps Score Book for U. S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 and U. S. Carbine, Caliber .30, M1A1,” 80 pages, 6 x 3.75, filled out by Oswald on the front cover in pencil with his name, “Oswald, L. H.,” rifle number, “4314215,” organization, “2060 2nd R.T.V.,” and date issued, “3 Dec. ’56.” The first few pages contain instructions for shooting and scorekeeping, and bear a couple pencil notations by Oswald in the margins. The majority of the book consists of target diagrams and tables filled out in pencil by Oswald, plotting his shots on the diagrams and recording relevant details like date, elevation, and wind speed/direction. Oswald also generally indicates his firing position in the upper margin, such as “kneeling,” “sitting,” or “prone.” In total, Oswald completed 32 such pages throughout the month of December, with two being practice ‘samples’ and the rest his actual results. In very good to fine condition, with two toned tape remnants affixed to the front cover, light general soiling, and three small areas of surface loss to the back cover. Accompanied by interesting correspondence from 1969 between Marguerite Oswald and John Lattimer, a notable researcher of the Kennedy assassination, who originally purchased the score book from her; this includes one ALS from Marguerite, in part: “My late son’s Marine score book is in the same condition as when he left it with me…Someday soon it will be proven that a conspiracy did exist and that my son was indeed the ‘patsy.’”
History On October 26, 1956, 17-year-old Oswald reported for duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, where he was assigned to the Second Recruit Training Battalion and began training in, among other things, the use of the M-1 rifle. His practice scores were reportedly not very good, but when his company fired for a record on December 21, he scored 212, two points above the score necessary to qualify as a sharpshooter (with the classification scale ranging from marksman to sharpshooter to expert). Over the next three years, his skill seemingly declined; a Marine in the same unit as Oswald in 1958 reported that he was frequently given the red flag in qualification firing, indicating a complete miss of the target, and when retested in May of 1959, Oswald qualified only as a marksman. It has been frequently argued that even an expert marksman would struggle to duplicate Oswald’s alleged feat in the assassination of Kennedy, hitting a moving target three times in less than nine seconds (the time has been heavily disputed, ranging from 5.6 to 8.3 seconds). Filled out by Oswald—who frequently lied about his actions—this book shows a high skill level, especially at longer distances in rapid fire. Offering a detailed and lengthy account of his earliest training results, this is an absolutely fascinating piece in the question of whether or not Oswald held the capability of carrying out the assassination.
115
Hand-notated by Oswald, San Diego’s Marine Corps Platoon 2060— where he learned to handle a rifle
182
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Hand-noted 1956 US Marine Corps Platoon Photograph STARTING BID $500
116
O
swald’s personally-owned vintage glossy 10.25 x 8 photo of the 1956 US Marine Corps Platoon 2060 in San Diego, annotated on the reverse by Oswald in pencil to identify some of his classmates, including himself, “Oswald.” Oswald is seen fourth from the left on the second level. In very good condition, scattered surface creases, a tiny tear to left edge, and small circular label affixed to reverse upper left. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald. As Oswald had only been accepted into the Marines on October 24, 1956, this photo is from very early in his three-year stint in the military. He was first trained in the use of the M1 rifle in San Diego during this period and became a reasonably competent rifleman, initially earning the designation of ‘sharpshooter’ before being downgraded to ‘marksman.’
the suspect
Oswald’s chess set, used while in the army 183
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Chess Set Used in the Army
STARTING BID $1,000
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
O
swald’s personally-owned and -used chess set. Set consists of 28 red and off-white plastic pieces. The white pieces are: king, queen, two castles, two knights, 1 bishop, and 7 pawns; red pieces consist of a king, queen, two castles, one knight, two bishops, and seven pawns. Pieces come in their original burgundy leathertextured box which measures 6.5 x 4 x 2. A gilt knight is imprinted on the cover, which is heavily worn at the hinge and is original burgundy leather-textured box entirely detached from the box. The snap button is present on the front side but the strap attached to the cover which would fold over to the snap closing the box, is missing. “TOURNAMENT / CHESSMEN / BY / LOWE” is embossed inside the cover. In fine condition. Oswald’s mother testified before the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Washington, DC, on the morning of February 12, 1964, and testified, “Lee played Monopoly. Lee played chess. Lee had a stamp collection, and even wrote to other young men and exchanged stamps, sir.” Also in a sworn affidavit by Richard Dennis Call to the Warren Commission dated May 20, 1964, stated: “From December, 1958, to December, 1959, I was stationed with Marine Air Control Squadron #9, Lighter Than Air Station, Santa Ana, California. During this time I made the acquaintance of Lee Harvey Oswald…Oswald spent a great deal of time reading. I do not remember what he read, because he never talked about it. He also spent a great deal of time playing chess. I played chess with him about once a week; we were of approximately equal ability…I had a chess set which contained red and white chessmen; Oswald always chose the red chessmen, making some remark to the effect that he preferred the ‘Red Army.’” A game of immense strategy referenced twice in the Warren Commission’s report, with an unusual relation to Oswald’s political views.
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184
Lee Harvey Oswald
1957 Photograph from his Time as Corregidor STARTING BID $200 Original glossy 3 x 4.25 candid snapshot photo of Oswald while stationed at Corregidor in the Philippines in 1957, captioned in the lower border by Marguerite Oswald, “Corrigor [sic], 1957, Lee.” In very good condition, with a small area of surface loss to the upper border and scattered creases. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald.
Original class photo from aircraft control training,
signed for him by ten Marine classmates 185
Lee Harvey Oswald
1957 US Marine Corps Photograph STARTING BID $300 Oswald’s personally-owned vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of himself and a group of fellow Marines graduating from an Aircraft Control and Warning Operator course in Mississippi on June 6, 1957, signed on the reverse in pencil by ten of his classmates. Oswald is seen in a dark uniform to the far left of the image, standing on the first riser. Laminated on both sides with small areas of one corner exposed. Some slight scattered staining to reverse and wrinkling to lamination on reverse, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald. This class included further training in aircraft surveillance and the radar operation; Oswald finished seventh in the class of thirty students.
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the suspect
186
Lee Harvey Oswald
1959 US Marine Photograph STARTING BID $300
Original matte-finish 2.5 x 3.5 photo of Oswald wearing a combat helmet as a Marine, captioned in the lower border in blue ballpoint by his mother, “Santa Anna Calif.—April 1959,” annotated on the reverse, “Lee sent me copies of this picture. After I knew he was in Russia I had pictures made and also enlarged,” and signed by her at the bottom, “Marguerite Oswald.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald. At the time of this photo, Oswald was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro near Santa Ana, where he had been assigned at the end of December 1958; this was his last assignment before leaving the Marines in September of 1959.
Oswald’s copy of his ‘hardship’ discharge orders from the Marines
187
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Personal Copy of His Marine Discharge Orders STARTING BID $200
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
Oswald’s personally-owned original mimeographed USMC orders issued by the Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, Santa Ana, California, one page both sides, 10.5 x 8, September 1, 1959. Document issuing separation orders to “PFC E2 Lee H. Oswald, 1653230 6741,” described as “f/Separation in accord with Para 10273 MarCorMan.” Stamped at the conclusion in blue ink, “Original.” In fine condition, with filing holes to left border. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald. This initial honorable discharge that Oswald received, under criteria which the Marine Corps Manual defines as ‘undue and genuine dependency or hardship,’ was for him to return to Fort Worth to care for his ailing mother; he spent just three days in Texas before departing for New Orleans, where he boarded a ship bound for France on September 20—this began his journey to the USSR.
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Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Tweed Jacket
STARTING BID $1,000
Oswald’s personally-owned and -worn tweed jacket made by Kawashima Tailors of Yokohama, Japan, embroidered with his name above the inner pocket, “Lee H. Oswald.” In fine condition, with some scattered staining inside. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his older brother, Robert L. Oswald, which states that Lee bought the jacket in 1957 or 1958 while stationed in Japan, and subsequently brought it with him to Russia. Also accompanied by images of him wearing the jacket while in Russia with his wife, Marina.
189
Lee Harvey Oswald’s
Gray Sweater Vest
STARTING BID $300 Oswald’s personally-owned and -worn gray sweater vest made by Welgrume Sportswear, 100% lamb’s wool, size small. A bit of soiling below the right pocket and some slight scattered moth holes (primarily to back), otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his brother, Robert L. Oswald.
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the suspect
The Arrest & Investigation
The chase, the capture, and compelling evidence LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
121
“I did turn to the President and said, ‘Mr. President, you can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you.’”
192
Mr. and Mrs. John Connally’s
Signed Eyewitness Typescripts
STARTING BID $200
Governor and first lady of Texas from 1963–1969. Three signed statements: TQS signed “John B. Connally,” one page, 8 x 5, in full: “The first sense of anything unusual was when I became conscious of a shot, what sounded like gunshot. Instinctively, I turned to my right and as I did so I sensed, more than I saw, that President Kennedy was hit”; souvenir typescript signed “Mrs. John B. Connally,” one page, 11 x 8.5, in part: “I did turn to the President and said, ‘Mr. President, you can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you.’ Then I don’t know how soon, it seems to me it was very soon, that I heard a noise”; and a photocopied book page signed in the margin, “Mrs. John B. Connally,” 11 x 8.5, featuring her Warren Commission testimony with this quote highlighted. In overall fine condition.
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Ralph Yarborough’s
Signed Eyewitness Typescript
STARTING BID $200 Senator from Texas (1903–1996) who rode in the convertible with LBJ during the motorcade. Souvenir typescript of Yarborough’s statement to Chief Justice Earl Warren, two pages, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in ballpoint, “Ralph W. Yarborough.” In part: “I rode in the third car in the cavalcade with then Vice President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson. Immediately after the firing of the first shot, the thought immediately went through my mind that ‘that was a rifle shot.’ It did not sound to me like a firecracker or a pistol, though I thought of them too, or of the possibility of a small bomb. Another immediate impression that I had, was that the cavalcade has slowed down, almost stopped…It was a horrible experience to hear, to partially see (though I couldn’t tell at the time what had happened to President Kennedy), to smell the gunpowder from the assassin’s murder weapon, as our gallant young leader was cut down before his high noon.” In very fine condition.
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the arrest & investigation
An alarming warning on November 20: “He should not go to Dallas” 194
Evelyn Lincoln’s
Signed Firsthand Account Letter STARTING BID $200 TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, August 24, 1994. Letter to a Kennedy enthusiast. In part: “You wanted to know if there was any truth in my warning Kennedy not to go to Dallas. On November 20, 1963 my husband, Abe, was eating lunch at the Traders Vic restaurant in the Capitol Hilton Hotel, when he heard some men at a table behind him discussing Kennedy and an assassination in Dallas on November 23rd. Abe immediately called me at my office just outside of Kennedy’s Oval Office and told me what he had heard and told me that I should tell President Kennedy about the conversation and that he should not go to Dallas. After hanging up the telephone I rushed into the Oval Office and told Kennedy about Abe’s warning and what he had heard. Kennedy looked at me and said, ‘Miz Lincoln, I have to live my life. If they are going to get me, they will get me in church.’ And he went to Dallas.” In fine condition. Like any president, death threats were not out of the ordinary for JFK, so his nonchalant reaction is not surprising.
195
Firsthand Accounts of the Assassination:
Collection of Signed Typescripts STARTING BID $200 Collection of 41 souvenir typescripts of firsthand accounts of the assassination and its aftermath by various police officers, witnesses, reporters, and political figures, 8.5 x 11, each signed in ink by the given witness. Signers are: Pierce Allman (2), Ann Atterberry (2), Kent Biffle (3), Charles L. Bronson (2), Liz Carpenter (2), Waggoner Carr (2), Col. Lewis Hanson (2), Bobby Hargis (3), Gerald L. Hill (2), Virgil E. Hoffman (3), William A. Holmes (2), Jimmie L. Popplewell (3), Earl Ruby, Bert N. Shipp (2), Theodore C. Sorenson (4), Henry Wade, Wes Wise (4), and William H. Zedlitz. In overall fine condition.
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196
David Powers’s
Eyewitness Typescript Signed STARTING BID $200 Kennedy’s assistant (1912–1998) who was riding in the Secret Service follow-up car directly behind the presidential limousine. Souvenir typescript of Powers’s affidavit following the assassination, two pages, 11 x 8.5, signed at the bottom of both pages in blue ballpoint, “David F. Powers.” In part: “I was assigned to ride in the Secret Service automobile which proceeded immediately behind the President’s car in the motorcade…Kenneth O’Donnell and I were observing the size and disposition of the crowd in order to evaluate the local political situation…As we proceeded through Dallas the motorcade slowed down on a number of occasions, but I do not believe it ever stopped…I was very much concerned about our timing and at just about that point I looked at my watch and noted that it was almost exactly 12:30 p.m., Which was the time we were due at the Trade Mart. I commented to Ken O’Donnell that it was 12:30 and we would only be about five minutes late…Shortly thereafter the first shot went off and it sounded to me as if it were a firecracker. I noticed then that the President moved quite far to his left after the shot from the extreme right hand side where he had been sitting. There was a second shot and Governor Connally disappeared from sight and then there was a third shot which took off the top of the President’s head and had the sickening sound of a grapefruit splattering against the side of a wall. The total time between the first and third shots was about 5 or 6 seconds. My first impression was that the shots came from the right and overhead, but I also had a fleeting impression that the noise appeared to come from the front in the area of the triple overpass. This may have resulted from my feeling, when I looked forward toward the overpass, that we might have ridden into an ambush.” In very fine condition.
197
James Thomas Tague’s
Eyewitness Typescript Signed STARTING BID $200
Eyewitness (born 1936) who received a minor wound on his right cheek during the assassination from the ricochet of a bullet. Souvenir typescript from JFK: Breaking the Silence, one page, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in ballpoint, “James T. Tague.” In part: “To the few who know of his role in Dealey Plaza, he projects the image of a stunned young man, wiping with his hand at a spot of blood on his face—blood drawn by a tiny fragment of a bullet intended for JFK…federal authorities at first tried to pretend that Jim Tague did not exist…but nothing they have been able to do can alter these two basic facts: 1. Jim Tague was—and is—the ‘third victim’ of the shots that killed President Kennedy and wounded Governor Connally. 2. His experience at the moment of the shooting constitutes ‘living proof’ that the Warren Commission’s claim of a single assassin firing three bullets—and three bullets only—at the presidential motorcade is factually unsupportable…The indisputable fact remains that if three bullets struck within the presidential car and another struck the curb near Tague, all four of them could not have been fired by Oswald—or any other single individual, for that matter.” In very fine condition.
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Texas Congressman recalls the Dallas motorcade 198
Congressman Henry Gonzalez’s
Signed Eyewitness Account Letter STARTING BID $100 Congressman from Texas (1916– 2000) who was in the fifth car behind Kennedy at the time of the assassination. TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, House of Representatives letterhead, February 7, 1995. Letter to a JFK enthusiast. In part: “I had, however, been apprehensive about going to Dallas all along, and had even tried to delete Dallas from the agenda when the trip was still in the planning stage. My apprehension was still just as great when we began the motorcade…A few minutes later my worst fears were realized when I heard gunfire…I saw Mrs. Kennedy sitting alone in a little room. I went over to her and asked if there was anything I could do…She wanted a glass of water and a cigarette. I was…asked to take charge of John Connally’s personal effects which were in a brown paper bag…with regard to having a final answer to the unanswered questions surrounding President Kennedy’s death, I think we’ll have conjecture for a hundred years, just like we’re still having on Abraham Lincoln.” Also includes a color satin-finish 9 x 7 photo of Gonzalez, signed and inscribed in silver ink, “For Sarah Christiane, Sincere best wishes, Henry B. Gonzalez, 2/9/95, Wash, DC.” In overall fine condition.
199
Walter Cronkite’s
On-Air Account Typescript Signed STARTING BID $200 Souvenir typescript of Cronkite’s famous broadcast, one page, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in ballpoint, “Walter L. Cronkite.” In part: “Here is a bulletin from CBS News…In Dallas, Texas, three shots were fired at President Kennedy’s motorcade in downtown Dallas. The first reports say that President Kennedy has been seriously wounded by this shooting…apparently official, President Kennedy died at 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time…Vice President Johnson has left the hospital in Dallas…Presumedly he will be taking the oath shortly and become the 36th President of the United States.” In very fine condition.
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“Witnesses heard gun shot and saw the expired slump forward. More shots were heard and the expired fell into his wife’s lap” 200
John F. Kennedy
Original Dallas Police Homicide Report STARTING BID $500
O
riginal City of Dallas Police Department homicide report form OP HB-403, one page, 8.5 x 11, November 23, 1963, documenting the assassination of President Kennedy. Filled out in type with relevant information and a description of the incident. The “Details of Offense,” in full: “The expired was riding in motorcade with wife and Governor John Connally, and his wife. Witnesses heard gun shot and saw the expired slump forward. More shots were heard and the expired fell into his wife’s lap. Governor Connally was also shot at this time. Car in which they were riding was escorted to Parkland Hospital by Dallas Police Officers.” It also lists the “Place of Occurrence” as “Elm St. (approx. 150´ W of Houston).” The bottom of the report lists the suspect as “Lee Harvey Oswald,” a 25-year-old white male, arrested by officers “Lt. E. L. Cunningham 464” and “MN McDonald 1178,” charged with “Murder.” In fine condition.
HISTORY Immediately following the three shots on November 22, the Dallas Police Department was on the job, questioning any and all witnesses in an attempt to piece together the details of the crime. In less than twenty minutes, they had a description of their suspect, followed shortly after with his name: Lee Harvey Oswald. With countless police combing the city for Oswald, it was Officer J. D. Tippit who spotted him first—and paid with his life. After shooting Tippit four times, Oswald ducked into the Texas Theatre, where he was quickly captured and taken in for questioning. He was formally charged for the murder of Tippit around 7:00 p.m., and several hours later, for the murder of President Kennedy. This homicide report, declaring Oswald as the assassin, is an incredible piece from the first 24 hours of the Dallas Police Department’s swift work in finding answers to the myriad questions surrounding the two tragic deaths.
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A fascinating collection of Dallas Police photos of the ‘sniper’s perch,’
taken within hours of the assassination 201
Book Depository
Official Dallas Police Department Photos STARTING BID $300
C
ollection of 31 original glossy 10 x 8 Dallas Police Department crime scene photos of the interior of the Texas School Book Depository, taken shortly after the assassination took place. All but one bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas,” and many are briefly described on the reverse in an unknown hand. Photos primarily depict the sixth floor of the building from different angles, including close-ups of the window area from which the shot was fired, as well as the view from the ‘sniper’s perch’ looking down onto Elm Street in Dealey Plaza. Also includes numerous photos of evidence gathered at the scene, such as shell casings, a box with a handprint on it, the rifle, and the location where the gun wrapper was found. Other photos depict different floors, hallways, and rooms, including the lunchroom. In overall fine condition.
HISTORY Within fifteen minutes of the shooting, Dallas Police broadcast a description of
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
their suspect—a man seen with a rifle in a sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository—to all units. When two employees of the Depository, who had been watching the motorcade from windows at the southeast corner of the fifth floor, confirmed that they heard three gunshots above their heads, along with sounds of a bolt-action rifle and cartridges dropping on the floor above them, police sealed the building and began their investigation of what was deemed the crime scene. ‘Primarily, Studebaker and I were taking photos and checking for prints on the sixth floor,’ writes Carl Day, a lieutenant in the newly formed Crime Lab within the Identification Bureau of the Dallas Police Department, in his account of that afternoon. Checking for prints on boxes, collecting evidence to bring to the lab for testing, analyzing views and checking angles from the window that Oswald allegedly shot through. This remarkable collection of original photos offers an inside look at the Depository that afternoon, with key pieces of the story—including the rifle, shell casings, and palm-printed box—as seen by the Dallas Police.
127
202
Dealey Plaza
Official Dallas Police Department Photos STARTING BID $200 Eight vintage glossy Dallas Police Department photos of Dealey Plaza, 8 x 10 and 10 x 8, two showing the Texas School Book Depository, five of the general area from different street angles, and one of a map of Elm Street. All but one bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas,” and many are briefly described on the reverse in an unknown hand. In overall fine condition.
203
OFFICIAL Dallas Police
Photographs of Lee Harvey Oswald’s Arrest Card STARTING BID $200 Two official vintage glossy photos of both sides of Oswald’s arrest card, 5 x 7 and 7 x 5, taken and developed by the Dallas Police Department. In overall fine condition, with a few light creases. Photos originate from the estate of Sgt. Wilson Warren, the officer who booked Oswald when he was brought in and whose signature can be seen on the card in the photos. Accompanied by Warren’s Masonic lodge membership card, signed by him in black ballpoint.
204
Texas Theatre
Official Dallas Police Department Photos STARTING BID $200 Two vintage glossy 10 x 8 Dallas Police Department photos of the interior of the Texas Theatre where Oswald was apprehended, one showing the seats inside and one of the lobby. Both bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas.” In overall fine condition.
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the arrest & investigation
209
Texas Theatre
Ticket Stub
STARTING BID $150 Original one dollar ticket stub from the Texas Theatre, 2.5 x 1.5, labeled in the center, “After Closing.� In fine condition. Accompanied by two glossy photos, one a color image of Oswald being placed into a police car after his arrest, and one of the front of the theatre at the time of the Kennedy assassination.
210
Lee Harvey Oswald
Police Apprehension Photographs STARTING BID $100
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Three original vintage glossy press photos related to Oswald, 7 x 9 and 9 x 7, all with inherent captions to the borders. Two show Oswald after being apprehended by the police, and the other shows his bed at the rooming house where he was staying. In overall fine condition, with overall crazing to emulsion of one photo.
129
Remarkable original
Dallas Police Department mug shot 212
Lee Harvey Oswald
Official Dallas Police Department Mug Shot STARTING BID $200
130
C
rystal-clear official vintage glossy 4.75 x 3 Dallas Police Department mug shot photo of Oswald, featuring side-by-side images of him facing front and to his left. The Dallas Police placard in the image identifies the suspect number as “54018” and date as “11-23-63.” Reverse is stamped with blank areas for the suspect’s information, which are not filled out. In fine condition. Oswald was first arrested for the murder of police officer J. D. Tippit and it was not until later that night that he was charged with the assassination. A rare and exceptionally desirable example of the now-iconic image.
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213
Captors of Lee Harvey Oswald
Signed Statement Typescript STARTING BID $200
Souvenir typescript of the statement made by the arresting officers of Lee Harvey Oswald and submitted to Police Chief J. E. Curry, two pages, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in blue ballpoint by Gerald L. Hill, Ray Hawkins, Paul Bentley, and M. Nick McDonald. In part: “At 1:18 P.M. Friday, November 22, 1963…investigating the shooting of the President, when we received information via the police radio that an officer had been shot…There was a pool of blood about two feet north of the squad car in the street…Minutes later we received additional information that the subject was in the Texas Theater [sic]…Officer McDonald approached the center section on the third row from the back…As he approached the subject, the suspect said, ‘This is it,’ and sprang from his seat….after a struggle in which the suspect resisted violently he was disarmed and handcuffed…The suspect, later identified as Lee H. Oswald, w/m/24, was released by arresting officers to Captain J.W. Fritz of the Homicide Bureau.” In very fine condition.
Confiscated from Oswald’s house:
a holster, binoculars, communist letters, and Fair Play for Cuba circulars 214
Lee Harvey Oswald
List of Items Confiscated from His Home STARTING BID $200 Official copy of a typed list of items confiscated from Oswald’s house at 1026 North Beckley Avenue in Dallas, two pages, 8.5 x 11, November 22, 1963. Confiscated articles included “1 brown leather holster, ‘38,’” “1 book paper back ‘A Study of The USSR and Communism,’” “1 Dallas-Forth Worth City Map,” “1 pair of small binoculars, 6NT 4 x 20, Serial #591998, in brown leatherette case with strap,” and “1 Hunting knife, black handle in brown sheath.” Papers recovered included “Letter to L. H. Oswald…regarding Fair Play for Cuba signed by Arnold Johnson,” “Letter from Peter P. Gregory…recommending Oswald as an interpreter of the Russian language,” “Fair Play for Cuba circulars and receipt from Jone’s Printing Company for printing 1,000 circulars,” “A letter from Socialist Worker Party…regarding membership into party,” “U. S. Passport dated June 25, 1963,” “Russian passport,” and “Undesirable Discharge from U. S. M. C., 9-13-60.” In fine condition, with staple holes to top.
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215
Lee Harvey Oswald and Family
Official Dallas Police Department Photos STARTING BID $200
Seven vintage glossy Dallas Police Department photos of Oswald’s personal family photos taken as evidence, ranging in size from 5 x 2.5 to 10 x 8, with images including himself, Marina and her mother, his daughter, and the family outdoors. All bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas.” In overall fine condition, with a few creases, and trimmed edges to smaller photos.
Large collection of unpublished photos
from the Dallas police station after Oswald’s arrest 216
Dallas Police StatioN
Photos
STARTING BID $200 Collection of 29 glossy 8 x 10 and 10 x 8 contemporary prints of unpublished photos, originally taken on November 22, 1963, from inside the Dallas Police Station as well as Dealey Plaza. Photos consist of: three of Oswald handcuffed with police officers in Dallas police station; seven of Oswald being questioned by media; two of Henry Wade, Dallas District Attorney, being questioned by media; five of Dallas Police detectives and crime lab specialists; one of Marina Oswald holding her baby alongside Marguerite Oswald; two of Dallas Police Chief Curry being questioned by media; five of Dallas Police Officer J. C. Day holding the rifle above his head outside of Dallas Police Homicide and Robbery Room 317; two of the Texas School Book Depository; one of an injured Dallas Policeman in street clothes and on crutches; and one of disturbed ground next to a manhole cover on Elm Street, where Kennedy was shot. In very fine condition. A superb collection of photos, never before released, which chronicle the hectic hours after Oswald’s arrest.
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217
Dallas City Jail
Photos
STARTING BID $100 Three color glossy 12 x 8 photos, originally taken inside the Dallas City Jail around the time of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. One photo shows four suspects in white jumpsuits standing in a police line-up; one is of the inside of Lee Harvey Oswald’s jail cell; and one is of the underground parking lot. In fine condition.
218
Dallas City Jail
Color 35mm Slides
STARTING BID $200 Collection of 31 vintage color 35mm slides of the interior of the Dallas City Jail, taken in 1963. Images include the F-2 jail cell where Oswald was held, the parking garage area near where Oswald was killed, cell blocks, fourth and fifth floor rooms and offices, the fingerprint station, breathalyzer lab, medical room, basement, line-up room, and gun cabinet. Also included is an audio cassette tape on which Henry Ellison, an assistant jailer at the time of the assassination, describes each slide and mentions that he helped transport Jack Ruby from the city jail to the county jail, and that Ruby feared for his life during the transfer. Lot is accompanied by an original 22 x 8 ballpoint sketch of the fifth floor of the Dallas Jail, drawn and signed by Assistant Jailer Henry Ellison. In overall fine condition.
Chaos in the Dallas Police Headquarters basement 219
Official Dallas Police Department
Precinct Photos
STARTING BID $200 Collection of 24 vintage glossy Dallas Police Department photos, 8 x 10 and 10 x 8, the majority related to the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby. Many show the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters during the murder of Oswald by Jack Ruby and its chaotic aftermath, including the shooting, frightened crowds, the wounded Oswald, and the ambulance. Most others are crime scene photos taken afterward, showing the basement from various angles. Only the later crime scene photos bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas.” In overall fine condition. A terrific collection of rarely seen images.
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220
Dallas Police Officer James Watson’s
Handwritten Account STARTING BID $200
Detective for the Dallas Police Department who was one of the officers escorting Oswald through the jailhouse basement at the time of his murder. Handwritten firsthand account of Watson’s experience as a Dallas police officer after the assassination, three lined pages, 8 x 10.5, signed at the conclusion in ballpoint, “James C. Watson, Badge #631.” In part: “I was one of about 40 officers assigned to guard Lee Harvey Oswald as he was being transferred from the Dallas City Jail to the County Jail & Court Bldg. As we came off the elevator from jail to basement to put Oswald in the paddy wagon (van for transferring prisoners) no one knew what was about to take place…As officers with Oswald came off the elevator to a group of officers, a man later identified as Jack Ruby came forward apparently holding a gun to his side then raised gun & fired from approx. 10–12 ft. at Oswald…As I stood over Oswald, officers raised his shirt & opened belt area & I saw a black or dark spot in the lower part of his stomach where the bullet apparently entered his body. At that time I had no idea the wound was to be fatal.” Also includes a ballpoint signature on an off-white collector’s sheet. In fine condition.
221
Official Dallas Police Department
Photos of Lee Harvey Oswald’s Rifle STARTING BID $200 Five vintage glossy Dallas Police Department photos related to Oswald’s rifle, 8 x 10 and 10 x 8, two of either side of the rifle taken as evidence, one showing snapshots of Oswald holding a scoped rifle with a holstered pistol at his waist, and two of a police officer mimicking Oswald’s pose at the same location. All but one bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas.” In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of the ad from which Oswald was said to have ordered the gun.
222
J. Carl Day
Signed Photo Examining Oswald’s Rifle STARTING BID $100 Uncommon 8.25 x 10.75 paperstock printout of Day examining Oswald’s rifle, signed in black ballpoint, “J. C. Day, taken 11-22-63.” Also includes Day’s business card. In fine condition.
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223
Lee Harvey Oswald
Photos in Custody and Holding Rifle STARTING BID $100 Two photos: one glossy 4.75 x 4.75 photo of Oswald holding a rifle; and one glossy 10 x 8 photo of Oswald with two police officers. Also includes an ID card signed by his booking officer, Wilson Warren. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a pamphlet about an Oswald documentary.
224
Tippit Crime Scene
Official Dallas Police Department Photos STARTING BID $200 Six vintage glossy 10 x 8 Dallas Police Department photos of the scene of Officer J. D. Tippit’s murder, showing his police car, the blood-spattered street, and the intersection of Tenth Street and Patton Avenue. All bear red ink stamps on the reverse that read, “This photograph made and developed by Bureau of Identification, Police Department, Dallas Texas.” In overall fine condition.
Original Dallas City Jail medical book,
noting the “Minor abrasions of face” seen in Oswald’s mug shot 225
Dallas City Jail Prisoner Medical Log Book
Mentioning Oswald’s Injuries
STARTING BID $200 Remarkable original prisoner medical log book from the Dallas City Jail, 6.5 x 4, with entries ranging from November 21 to November 23, 1963, including two entries for Lee Harvey Oswald. First, dated November 23, 1963, at time 12:30 a.m., filled out with the “Nature of Illness of Injury” as “Minor abrasions of face; Rectal glove search,” and the “Treatment and/or Recommendation” as “Methiolate dressings; Negative results of rectal search.” The second entry for Oswald is from the same day, at 5:30 p.m., with the “Prisoner Remarks” filled out as, “Soreness back rt. shoulder—otherwise no complaints—just bruised,” for which he was given “no medication.” Pages of the book are carbon paper, so writing transfers from page to page; both Oswald pages remaining are the carbon copies; the originals have been removed. In fine condition. Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance from Henry Ellison, who was an assistant jailer at the time. A historically significant and unique original item that lends insight into Oswald’s brief time in jail.
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Original prisoner logs showing Oswald as transferred to County—“allmost” 226
Dallas City Jail Prisoner Logs
Featuring Oswald and Ruby STARTING BID $200
Original Dallas City Jail prisoner lists from November 23 to November 25, 1963, four pages, 8.5 x 14, featuring the names of both Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby. On the earliest page, November 23, lists “Lee Harvey Oswald” as a white male, identifying his arresting officers and charges, “McDonald-Lyons: Fld. Murder, Asslt. Mur.” The list from November 24 contains the same information, but with a square drawn around his name and the notation, “To Co,” indicating that he was being transferred from the city jail to the county jail. Beside this notation, a clerk with an irreverent sense of humor wrote, “allmost [sic],” as Oswald was shot in the city jail’s basement. The list from the following day includes the shooter, “Jack Leon Ruby,” charged with “Fld. Murder.” In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Henry Ellison, who was an assistant jailer at the time. This set of documents is a one-of-a-kind chronicle of the events that followed JFK’s assassination, from Oswald’s apprehension through his death.
227
John F. Kennedy Assassination
Dallas Police Film Reels STARTING BID $200
Two microfilm reels from the 1960s of the Dallas Police Department’s records pertaining to the Kennedy assassination, contained in two gray canisters and stored in boxes labeled “Kennedy Ass’n #1” and “Kennedy Ass’n #2.” In overall fine condition. UPCLOSE IMAGE
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The End of Camelot The last rites are given. Power is transferred. Camelot is no more.
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228
Parkland Hospital
Original Negative Picturing the Presidential Limousine STARTING BID $200 Rare original Kodak Tri-X 35mm negative showing the presidential limousine parked outside the emergency room at Parkland Hospital on November 22, 1963. Includes a modern glossy 5 x 7 print of the photo. In fine condition. Consignor notes that this originates from the collection of a press photographer who was present at the scene.
229
Parkland Hospital
Set of Six Prints Picturing the Presidential Limousine STARTING BID $200 Six glossy modern prints, 8 x 12 and 12 x 8, showing the presidential limousine outside of Parkland Hospital. In overall fine condition. Possibly unpublished.
138
The end of camelot
230
Parkland Hospital
Collection of Signed Firsthand Accounts STARTING BID $200 Collection of 27 souvenir typescripts of firsthand accounts and testimony given before the Warren Commission by many of the doctors involved in treating Kennedy at Parkland Hospital, each signed in ink by the given doctor or hospital administrator, with many signing multiple pages. Signers are: Fouad A. Bashour (2), Charles Carrico (2), Charles A. Crenshaw (2), Don T. Curtis (3), Joe D. Goldstrich (2), Steve Landregan (2), Robert N. McClelland (12), Cyril H. Wecht, and William H. Zedlitz. In overall fine condition.
Priest who administered the Last Rites 231
Priest Oscar Huber
Firsthand Account Signed Typescript STARTING BID $200 Souvenir typescript entitled “President Kennedy’s Final Hours,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in black ink, “Oscar L. Huber, C. M.” In part: “He was covered with a sheet that I removed from his forehead before administering conditionally the Last Rites of the Catholic Church. These rights are administered conditionally when a priest has no way of knowing the person’s mind or whether the soul has yet left the body… Yes it was evident—the President was dead.” In fine condition, with staple holes to the upper left corner. Accompanied by an unsigned postcard photo of Huber.
232
Sarah T. Hughes
Typed Account Letter Signed STARTING BID $200 TLS signed “Sarah T. Hughes,” one page, 8 x 10.5, United States District Court letterhead, December 30, 1964. Letter to Joseph Fricelli. In part: “With regard to the swearing-in of President Johnson, after I had heard that Kennedy had been assassinated I went home, because there did not seem to be anything to do at the courthouse. I was called by my office and was told that Mr. Johnson was on the other line asking if I could come out to the airport to the presidential plane and swear him in. I drove my car to the air field which took about ten minutes from my home. When I arrived, I was handed a Bible and the oath and the swearing-in took place. After it was over, the President said, ‘Let’s get air borne,’ and I got off the plane.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. An uncommon perspective from the first woman to swear in a president.
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139
Unique first-hand account of LBJ’s swearing in from the judge who administered the Oath of Office on Air Force One
233
Sarah T. Hughes
Historically Lengthy Signed Firsthand Account
STARTING BID $1,000
140
H
istoric one-of-a-kind eyewitness account, most likely typed by Hughes herself, four pages, 7.5 x 10.5, signed at the conclusion, “Sarah T. Hughes, November 22, 1963.” Account concerns her administering the oath of office to Lyndon B. Johnson. In part: “I had just reached home from the Trade Mart where a large and enthusiastic crowd had gathered to see and hear President John F. Kennedy. We waited in vain, for he had been assassinated as he was leaving the downtown area of Dallas…Barefoot Sanders (U. S. Attorney) wanted to speak to me. Immediately I heard his familiar voice, ‘The Vice-President wants you to swear him in as President. Can you do it? How soon can you get to the airport?’ ‘Of course I could, and I could be there in ten minutes’…There was no time to find the oath administered to the President, but the essentials of every oath are the same…One of the motorcycle officers…escorted me toward the plane…In the second compartment were several Texas Congressmen, Vice-Presidential Aides, Secret Service men, and the Vice-President and Mrs. Johnson…By that time a Bible that was on the plane had been thrust into my hands. I thought someone said it was a Catholic Bible. I do not know, but I would like to think it was, and that President Kennedy had been reading it on his last trip. The Vice-President said Mrs. Kennedy wanted to be present for
the ceremony and in a very few minutes she appeared. Her face showed her grief, but she was composed and calm. She too exemplified the courage this country needs to carry on… The Vice-President asked Mrs. Johnson to stand on his right, Mrs. Kennedy on his left, and with his hand on the Bible he slowly and reverently repeated the oath after me ‘I do solemnly swear that I will perform the duties of President of the United States to the best of my ability and defend, protect and preserve the Constitution of the United States.’ That was all to the oath I had in my hand, but I said, ‘So Help Me God,’ and he said it after me. It needed to be said. He kissed his wife on the cheek and gently kissed Mrs. Kennedy. Here was a man with the ability and determination for the task ahead. Great as the responsibilities of the office are, I felt he could carry on. I told him so and that we were behind him and he would have our sympathy and our help. As I left the plane, I heard him give the order to take off. I drove away with my thoughts on this man upon whom so much now depended.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 37.75 x 14. In fine condition, with a staple hole to top left of each page and some scattered light creasing. An amazing moment in American history, this piece is the longest known account of Hughes’ important role in the tragic succession of power.
The end of camelot
234
Malcolm M. Kilduff
Signed Photograph and Letter Describing LBJ’s Swearing-In STARTING BID $200 Assistant White House press secretary who publicly announced the death of JFK (1927–2003). Glossy 10 x 8 photo of Lyndon B. Johnson’s swearing-in aboard Air Force One, vertically signed and inscribed in the right border in blue ballpoint, “To Larry Chenault, Malcolm M. Kilduff, 3/19/96”; and an unsigned ALS from Kilduff describing the image, one page, 5 x 7, personal letterhead, in part: “The one which AP carried world-wide… that is usually cropped leaving me out down there in the left corner.” In overall fine condition.
Johnson’s
Oath of Office 235
Lyndon B. Johnson
Souvenir Signed Oath of Office STARTING BID $200 Ink signature on a 3.75 x 4.75 LBJ bookplate with a goldstamped American eagle, to which was later added the presidential Oath of Office and “Air Force One, Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963.” Attractively double-matted with a photo of Johnson being sworn in while aboard Air Force One to an overall size of 11 x 14. In very fine condition.
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236
Lady Bird Johnson
Signed Photograph of LBJ’s Swearing In STARTING BID $100 Glossy 10 x 8 photo of Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in aboard Air Force One, signed in the lower border in black ink, “Lady Bird Johnson, many years later.” Toned piece of tape affixed to right border, some adhesive remnants along top edge, and slight brush to end of signature, otherwise fine condition.
After hearing the chilling news, he became “‘next in line’ for about 14 months to the Office of the Presidency” 237
John W. McCormack
Firsthand Account Letter Signed STARTING BID $200 ALS, six pages, 6 x 9, personal letterhead, March 5, 1975. Letter to a gentleman. In part: “The day John F. Kennedy was assassinated I was eating lunch alone (a very rare occasion for me) in the House Restaurant when two reporters came to my table telling me it is rumored that J.F.K. was shot and killed. They were not sure. About ten minutes later they came to my table telling me they had announced The President had been murdered. I remember what I said, ‘My God, can that happen here?’ They also told me, ‘Lyndon Johnson was seen holding one of his arms (and having in mind his earlier serious heart attack) created the rumor he had a heart attack. The Leaders and I went and saw him very shortly after he arrived in Washington. He was very serious, and terribly saddened by the tragic event. I have no knowledge why President Kennedy went to Texas. I assume he felt he should accept the invitation, but I have no knowledge about the same, or his reason or reasons for accepting it. I do not like to speculate to his reason or reasons. I was always Speaker of the House ‘next in line’ for about 14 months to the Office of the Presidency.” In a postscript signed “J. W. McC.,” he adds, “Lyndon Johnson, Sam Rayburn and I were very, very close to each other. I treasure their memory.” In fine condition, with a small area of dampstaining to the bottom of the second page (affecting only two letters of his writing).
142
The end of camelot
JACK RUBY
A shadowy figure emerges and a grieving nation becomes an eyewitness to murder LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
143
The original
Channel 11
broadcast camera
present during the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald at the Dallas Police Station
144
JACK RUBY
239
TV Camera
That Was Present When Ruby Shot Oswald STARTING BID $5,000
H
istoric early 1960s General Electric video broadcast camera, originally owned by KTVT Channel 11 Television news in Fort Worth, Texas, which recorded Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald in the basement of the Dallas Police Station on November 24, 1963. This General Electric Portable Camera measures 12.5 x 22 x 16, 63˝ high on the tripod. A metal data plate is screwed to the inside and is visible when the side door is opened. Plate reads, “General Electric Portable Camera / Model 4PC4A1 Rev A.” Directly above the plate is a stamped number, which reads, “GE23437.”The camera is complete with original tripod and head mount. The exterior retains most of its original paint scheme and Channel 11 logos. The inside is empty, with all parts having been removed, and no lens accompanies the camera, as those were saved by the studios after the cameras were taken out of service. In very good condition, with expected age wear and areas of light to moderate rusting.
HISTORY Following the shooting of Kennedy, DallasFort Worth news stations pulled together to cover the quickly developing news in numerous locations throughout the city; among them was KTVT Channel 11 in Dallas, who received permission from WBAP-TV,
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
the NBC affiliate in the market, to duplicate their feed until things returned to normal. As ‘a small quid pro quo’ for the coverage, KTVT let WBAP use their live remote truck carrying this camera, along with the production and engineering personnel who manned it. ‘As fate would have it,’ says anchorman and manager of KTVT, Crawford Rice, ‘it was the KTVT truck that was on duty for WBAP at the Dallas County Jail on Sunday morning, when Lee Harvey Oswald was…shot by Jack Ruby.’ After the dust settled, the camera was returned to the station and life went on. When Channel 11 upgraded to newer units, Sid Burns, superintendent of the station’s camera department, took possession of this camera to preserve its historical value. It remained in his care until the late 1990s, when he sold it to Kenney Boone, owner of Texas Gas, Automotive and Petroleum Collectibles in Fort Worth, who displayed it in his store for years before selling it to well-known Texas collector Tom Rainone. Notarized letters from both Boone and Rainone are included, providing corroborating evidence of the camera’s authenticity from staff at Channel 11, including well-established staff member Tom Finn. An absolutely remarkable and visually stunning piece.
145
240
James Leavelle
Signed Photograph
STARTING BID $200 Historic glossy 14 x 11 photo of Leavelle escorting Lee Harvey Oswald at the moment of Jack Ruby’s attack, signed in the lower border in black felt tip by Leavelle, “James R. Leavelle,” and by the photographer, “Bob Jackson.” In fine condition. Consignor notes that this photograph was obtained directly from the photographer, Robert Jackson, who stated that it was printed from the original negative.
241
James Leavelle
Signed Typescript
STARTING BID $200 Souvenir typescript of Leavelle’s report in regards to Lee Harvey Oswald’s death, two pages, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in black ballpoint, “James R. Leavelle, Detective, Dallas Police Dept.” In part: “We reached the basement jail office with officers in front we headed to the automobile ramp just outside the jail office door…Out of the mass of humanity composed of all the news media, which had surged forward to within six or seven feet of us, came the figure of a man with a gun in hand. He took two quick steps and double actioned a .38 revolver point blank at Oswald.” In very fine condition.
242
Parkland Hospital: Charles Crenshaw
Firsthand Account Signed Typescript STARTING BID $200
Doctor (1933–2001) who was on the medical team that treated Kennedy’s gunshot wounds at Parkland Hospital. Souvenir typescript describing his experience treating Lee Harvey Oswald at Parkland Hospital from JFK: Conspiracy of Silence, one page, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in black ink, “Charles A. Crenshaw.” In part: “After the major bleeding (of Oswald) had been brought under control, I looked up and took a deep breath. When I did, I spotted a large man across the room whom I didn’t recognize…there was a pistol hanging from his back pocket…a nurse tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I would take a telephone call…the receiver was lying on the desk. ‘This is Dr. Crenshaw, may I help you?’ ‘This is President Lyndon B. Johnson,’ the voice thundered…’Dr. Crenshaw, I want a deathbed confession from the accused assassin. There’s a man in the operating room who will take the statement.’” In very fine condition. 146
JACK RUBY
Proof of death
filed for his mother to receive benefits 243
Lee Harvey Oswald
Proof of Death Certificate for His Life Insurance STARTING BID $200
Original Notice of Insurance Claim/Proof of Death Certificate, signed at the conclusion by Oswald’s mother, issued by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company of Nashville, Tennessee, one page, 8.5 x 11, dated December 26, 1963. Entries have been in most cases typed, specifying the name of the deceased, “Lee Harvey Oswald,” dates birth and death, place of death, “Dallas,” and cause of death “gunshot wound.” Matted and framed with an original glossy UPI press photo of Oswald taken on the day of Kennedy’s assassination. In fine condition. The insurance company honored its obligations paying Mrs. Oswald $863.00 several months later, after execution of the document.
244
Lee Harvey Oswald
Funeral Photograph STARTING BID $200
Semi-glossy 14 x 11 photo of Oswald’s grieving family leaving his grave site, signed in the lower right in silver ink by the photographer, Gene Gordon. In fine condition.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
147
Rare original mug shot from November 24 245
Jack Ruby
Dallas Police Department Mugshot STARTING BID $200 Official vintage glossy 4.75 x 3 Dallas Police Department mug shot photo of Ruby, featuring side-by-side images of him facing front and to his left. The Dallas Police placard in the image identifies the suspect number as “36398” and date as “11-24-63.” Reverse is stamped with blank areas for the suspect’s information, which are not filled out. In fine condition, with a few slight surface creases. A historic and extremely scarce original photo.
Ruby’s Italian-style Resistol obtained directly from his brother 246
Jack Ruby’s
Owned and Worn Hat STARTING BID $500 Ruby’s personally-owned and -worn hat. Gray Resistol hat with multi-colored hat band, Italian Milan style, size 7 ¾, originally purchased from Titche’s of Dallas Men’s Shop. Printed in large gold embossed capital letters on the inside hat band is “Jack Ruby.” Also included is a business card from his brother Earl Ruby, with a brief statement of provenance written on the reverse which reads, “I authorize this hat as being Jack Ruby’s. Earl Ruby, 11-4-97.” Hat comes in its original mailing box, postmarked November 5, 1997, with Earl Ruby’s return address written on the box. In very fine condition. Rarely seen out and about without a hat, Ruby was referred to as ‘the man in the hat’ immediately after shooting Oswald. At the time of the assassination, he owned three dress hats, including this classic Resistol.
148
JACK RUBY
Ruby’s circa 1963 personal address book, including his own Vegas Club 247
Jack Ruby’s
Circa 1963 Personal Address Book STARTING BID $500 Ruby’s personally-owned red leatherette address book, 4 x 5.25, with a few entries filled out in Ruby’s hand. Some of these include: “Kathleen, TA7-1569,” “Russ Knight, RI-79319,” “K.L.I.F, RI-79039,” “Robt. Patterson, WH2-5326,” “Al Sharpe, A.G.V.A. 162 N. State, Chicago, Office CE 65561,” and “Vegas Club, LA-6-9428.” An evidence sticker is affixed to the front cover, labeling this “Exhibit D-12.” In fine condition. Despite its sparse entries, a number are quite interesting. The “Vegas Club” was one of the night clubs Ruby owned in Dallas, and the AGVA was the union that managed dancers in the area— Al Sharpe had been placed in Dallas from 1960 through 1962 to rid the union of corruption, and he was in communication with Ruby during the days surrounding JFK’s assassination. An interesting record of Ruby’s few associates from the 1963 period.
Ruby’s Vegas Club pays the “Affiliated Polygraph Service” 248
Jack Ruby
1962 Signed Check STARTING BID $200 Vegas Club business check, 8.25 x 3, filled out and signed by Ruby, payable to Affiliated Polygraph Service for $10.00, July 11, 1962. In fine condition, with a few vertical folds (two passing through letters of the signature). Accompanied by a brief ALS from his brother Earl Ruby, regarding Ruby items for sale.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
149
luggage “JLR” used on his visit to a notorious gambler in Cuba Monogrammed
249
Jack Ruby’s
Personal Suitcase STARTING BID $500
emBossed “J.L.R.” along the top of suitcase
150
R
uby’s personally-owned and -used tan leather suitcase with leather handle and two brass locks, measureing 23.5 x 18 x 7.5. Large gold initials embossed, “J. L. R.,” along the top of suitcase. Case also has double leather enforced corners, two dividers inside, and four brass nail heads at the bottom. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Jack Ruby’s brother Earl Ruby, which states: “Jack used this piece as part of his main travel luggage on trips from 1959–1963 prior to JFK’s assassination and Lee Harvey Oswald’s death. He carried this bag on trips to Havana, Cuba to visit Lewis J. McWillie, who managed the Tropicana Casino
there.” In fine condition, with expected light wear from use and some separation to leather around handles. In the spring of 1959, Ruby was scheduled to travel to Cuba courtesy of Lewis McWillie, the credit manager at the Tropicana in Havana, with Dallas newspaper columnist Tony Zoppi, who planned on writing a piece on the Tropicana. Though Zoppi’s plans fell through, Ruby still made the trip. Two years later, McWillie was deported, but maintained his ties to several prominent underworld figures, including Santos Trafficante and Meyer Lansky. An interesting piece, relating to a shadowy acquaintance of Ruby’s.
JACK RUBY
250
Jack Ruby’s
Sports Jacket
STARTING BID $500
Ruby’s personally-owned and -worn sports jacket. Single-breasted jacket bears a Neiman Marcus maker’s label on the front of one of the inside pockets. Sewn into the inside of the same pocket is a label with Ruby’s name written on the first line in an unknown hand and stamp-dated March 14, 1961. Same pocket also has the top portion of a dry cleaning tag. In fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from University Archives.
251
Jack Ruby
Set of Three Vegas Club Cards STARTING BID $250 Three rare original Vegas Club cards, 3.5 x 2.25, two being guest passes and the other a general business card. Also includes three vintage glossy press photos, 7 x 9 and 9 x 7, showing Ruby after he murdered Oswald. In overall fine condition. Cards originally obtained from Jack Ruby’s brother, Earl.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
151
252
Jack Ruby
1961 Signed Document
STARTING BID $200 DS one page, 8.5 x 12.75, April 26, 1961. Standard form of artist’s engagement contract in which Ruby hires Opal E. Holmes “as a dancer…at the Carousel Club in the city of Dallas, Texas,” for a period of one week. Signed twice at the conclusion by Ruby as manager of the club. Bottom of the document also bears various pencil notations regarding rehearsal and shift times. In fine condition, a few small edge tears and expected document wear.
253
Jack Ruby
Sovereign Club Signed Business Card STARTING BID $200 Business card from Ruby’s Sovereign Club in Dallas, 3.25 x 2, signed in the lower left in blue ballpoint by Ruby. In fine condition, with a slightly trimmed left edge.
254
Jack Ruby
Telegram of Praise STARTING BID $200 Original Western Union typed telegram sent to Jack Ruby at “The Dallas Texas Court House Basement,” one page, 8.5 x 5.5, stamp-dated November 24, 1963. Telegram sent by Mrs. G. F. Gage within hours of the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. In full: “Congratulations—you had the courage to do what the rest of the world would like to have done.” In fine condition, with unobtrusive intersecting folds. According to officer James Leavelle, Ruby once said of his motives, ‘Well, all I wanted to do was be a hero.’ While he did receive numerous telegrams praising his actions, Ruby found no sympathy from the prosecutors or jury—in March of 1964, he received a death sentence after being convicted of murder with malice.
255
Jack Ruby
Congratulations Telegram STARTING BID $200 Two original Western Union typed telegrams sent to “Jack Rubin” at the Dallas City Jail, each one page, 8.5 x 5.5, November 24, 1963. First was sent by Dorothy Savino, in full: “Congratulations you deserve a medal not a jail cell.” Second was sent by Joe Guidere, in full: “Heartiest congratulations but he died too fast.” In overall fine condition.
152
JACK RUBY
Congratulatory telegram sent after Oswald’s murder
“Well done soldier. Mission accomplished” 256
Jack Ruby
Congratulatory Telegram and Business Cards STARTING BID $200 Three different business cards from Ruby’s Carousel Club and a Western Union telegram. All cards measure approximately 3.5 x 2. One is light blue with black lettering which reads, “Dallas Newest Night Club, GIRLS GALORE if you care to see the Show of Shows Continuous Entertainment Until 2:00 AM”; a light pink card with an illustration of a champagne glass and dancing girl, with “Your host…Jack Ruby,” printed along the bottom; and a beige card which reads, “Offering Sophisticated, Risqué, Provocative, Delightful Entertainment—Your Host—Jack Ruby,” and signed on the reverse, “Admit party, Jack Ruby,” with a phone number written along the edge. Also included is a Western Union telegram, sent to Ruby at the Carousel Club by US Army Master Sergeant Carl C. Dewey, dated November 24, 1963, reading, “Well done soldier. Mission accomplished.” All four are matted and framed together with an original UPI press photo of Ruby and two women backstage at his club to an overall size of 14 x 24.5. In fine condition.
Haunting image of Ruby in jail, taken by his brother 258
Jack Ruby
1964 Dallas Jail Photograph STARTING BID $200
257
Jack Ruby
Dallas Jail Photographs STARTING BID $200 Five vintage glossy photos, 5 x 3.5 and 3.5 x 5, related to Ruby’s time at the Dallas County Jail. One is a full-length image of Ruby in the jail, and the others are of the exterior and surrounding areas. In overall fine condition.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
Original vintage glossy 7.25 x 4.75 photo of Ruby with his attorney, Phil Burleson, shrouded in shadow in the Dallas County Jail, annotated on the reverse in black ballpoint by Earl Ruby, “I took this picture of Jack in 1964 in the Dallas County jail. Earl Ruby, Jack Ruby’s Brother.” In fine condition, with a few surface creases and impressions and a rough left edge. An incredible photo straight from the Ruby family.
153
154
JACK RUBY
“
Then and there I make up my mind that I will never go anywhere’s without my pistol
”
259
Jack Ruby
Handwritten Letter Mentioning His Pistol STARTING BID $500
U
nsigned autograph letter in pencil, nine pages, 6 x 4, no date. Ruby describes a close call with trouble. In part (spelling and grammar retained): “One evening at the Carousel I get a call from a fellow who was a friend of Kathy Kay…he tells me a story that there is a party going on in his apartment, and that if I would like to come up after I close the club, and he said be sure to invite Kathy and Millie…I asked are these going to be nice fellows and girls, and he said yes, I tried to pump as to who will be there and he said that I didn’t know these people, and I said are they nice people and he said yes. Very rarely do I ever accept invitations to any party’s, because as a rule I don’t have any fun and before the evening is over the girls inevitably get to talking with me about the business and we get into a hassle…I accept the invitation against my better judgement, and I sent the girls ahead. I finally arrive there at the Picadilly after about an hour later, and I knock on the door and much to my surprise the persons I would never want to run into in a dark alley. Two of the biggest burly fellows that I’ve had static with at the Vegas Club many times. Then and there I make up my mind that I will never go anywhere’s without my pistol. They each must weigh at 220 lbs. and they are the vicious type. One of the fellows brother I’ve had some very bad moments at my club. His name is Paul Carter and sometime back was shot in the stomach by a woman named Betty…As soon as I sat down I remarked that I only wanted to show my respects and drop by for a few mo-
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
ments, naturally that had upset these fellows plans. I definitely had made up my mind that I wasn’t going to stay…I really thought we may have trouble trying to get out of there…In the meantime, the accountant friend of Kathy’s suggested I go over to the next building being built, where there may be the opportunity of taking over the private club. This had given me the excuse to leave the apt. and we both walked out of the apartment, I used some excuse to go to the car, hence I went and taken the pistol out of the trunk of the car, without this person seeing me…Returned to the apt. and as soon as I returned I asked the girls what they were going to do and they received the hint and they said they were going, and the look on these fellows were all in anger, but luckily if I didn’t have the pistol in my pocket and hadn’t felt that I would be on the offensive they would have succeeded in keeping the girls there. When we left the building Kathy told how that before I got to the apt. that these fellows told her what they would like to do with me etc. I scolded her why she didn’t call me and inform me of what they had said so I wouldn’t have walked into a trap.” Signed on the first page in red felt tip over the text by Ruby’s brother, “Earl Ruby.” In fine condition. A fascinating letter that explains why Ruby was carrying a gun on the morning of November 24—Ruby testified before the Warren Commission that the thought of killing Oswald had not occurred to him until he was already nearby the police station, having gone downtown to send a money order to an employee.
155
A captive Ruby examines Oswald’s motives, fears for his own life, and points to a
controversial
ringleader in the Kennedy assassination
156
JACK RUBY
260
Jack Ruby
Handwritten Letter from Jail Identifying LBJ as the Kennedy Assassination Mastermind STARTING BID $300
U
nsigned autograph letter in pencil, five pages both sides, 6 x 4, no date but circa 1965. Letter to Thomas E. Miller, a fellow inmate in Dallas County Jail. In part: “I hope you remember these names you have. There is one person you must warn, because Johnson hates his guts…his name is Bruce Alger, he was a former congressman, and no one knows how he was beaten in the last election but I’m sure Johnson had something to do with his losing. He was a republican. I believe he is presently working around Colorado Springs managing
“Johnson could commit any crime he cared to because he knew he was going to be the president and have all the power he needed” some kind of building project for H. L. Hunt. You probably can find out from my ex girl friend Alice…Be careful how and what you stay [sic] on the phone to him or anyone, because they may have a lot of phones tapped. Tell him that his life is in danger, and the most horrible death imaginable. Tell him he better find a way out of the country…Remember—you can’t be seen with Alger, he is too well known. Maybe you can [locate him] through Lamar Hunt… Oh the way I fucked up this world who would ever dream that the mother fucker was a Nazi, and found me as the perfect setup for a frame. It was perfect for them. Remember they had the president killed, and now with me in the picture, they’ll make it look as though Castro or the Russians had it done. Anyone in their right mind would know that the Russians or Castro would never do something like that…it would only
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
create worse hostilities. After it was done they would only put another man in office to take Kennedy’s place. Remember the only one who had all to gain was Johnson himself. Figure that out. Remember all points. Also about Oswald who has been a drifter all of his life, suddenly decided to go to work in the book-binding building weeks before Kennedy himself knew he was coming to Dallas…where did Oswald get the information that far in advance…It had to be someone pretty high in Washington who had made up Kennedy’s mind about the trip. All that was planned by Johnson, no one would question the president about a conspiracy…Johnson could commit any crime he cared to because he knew he was going to be the president and have all the power he needed. The shooting at the ex-general’s [Edwin Walker] home was to make believe…what a crackpot he [Oswald] is. That to fool the people into thinking that there wasn’t any motive in killing the president, and it was done by a crazy person…I still don’t believe that a man would deliberately go out and kill the president, it doesn’t sound right to me. Some one had put him [Oswald] up to it, and they no doubt promised him some pretty prize, that is why he made such a desperate effort to get away, to go so far as killing the policeman [ J .D. Tippett]. I have [at] the most one or two days left to live…If you hear a lot of horn-blowing it will be for me, they will want my blood!… take my advice and leave the US.” In fine condition, with a central vertical fold to each page and a couple tiny stains to one page. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, as well as two letters related to the piece from Charles Hamilton, who initially sold it in 1966.
HISTORY Smuggled out of a Dallas Jail cell in 1965, this famous letter from Oswald’s killer—pointing to President Johnson as the brains behind the assassination, implying that he set the scene and put Oswald into position on that fateful day in November—immediately sparked interest when it went up for auction by New York dealer Charles Hamilton in 1966. Bought by Penn Jones, editor of a small newspaper in East Texas, it was excerpted and published in the May 1966 book, Forgive My Grief, a compilation of his editorials on the assassination. Coinciding with an erosion of public confidence in the Warren Report and concern over the drastic changes in US policy (especially in regard to Vietnam) under the new president, Ruby’s rambling conspiracy claims held a ring of truth for some: “Also about Oswald who…suddenly decided to go to work in the book-binding building…where did Oswald get the information that far in advance…It had to be someone pretty high in Washington who had made up Kennedy’s mind about the trip. All that was planned by Johnson, no one would question the president about a conspiracy.” A remarkable piece, capturing the fears and beliefs of the alleged assassin’s assassin.
157
261
District Attorney Henry Wade
Signed Business Card STARTING BID $200
Texas lawyer and district attorney (1914– 2001) who oversaw the prosecution of Jack Ruby for killing Lee Harvey Oswald. Ink signature, “Henry Wade, D. A. Dallas, 1951–1987,” on the reverse of Wade’s 3.5 x 2 business card. Card is laminated and mounted between panes of glass with a photo of Wade to an overall size of 8.5 x 13. In very good condition, with noticeable mounting remnants to lower corners (some show-through to front).
Ruby’s brother recalls his fierce patriotism and confides:
“He & Eva lost the two clubs because of one bullet” 262
Jack Ruby’s Brother, Hyman Rubenstein
1967 Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $100
ALS signed “Hy Rubenstein,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, Palmer House letterhead, January 22, 1967. Letter to a supporter shortly after his brother Jack’s death. In part: “We were well advised to keep Jack’s funeral as personal as possible. Too many phone calls…Jack undoubtedly was a lot sicker than anyone knew. He probably didn’t know this & he was a fighter & naturally he didn’t complain & would never give up. Jack never drank or smoked & every morning he would do 50 push-ups in his cell… Once at the Landale restaurant on Roosevelt Rd. someone made a derogatory remark about our beloved President Franklin D. Roosevelt; Jack picked up a chair & hit the guy right in the head…He operated two (2) nite clubs in Dallas for 17 years with a very good record…He & Eva lost the two (2) clubs because of one bullet—$60,000.” In fine condition. A heartfelt letter from one of Ruby’s siblings offering unique insight to his private life.
158
JACK RUBY
The Funeral A nation mourns its fallen leader. A son salutes his father.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
159
1 2
3
4
1.) White House Doorman Preston Bruce’s detailed inscription written on the flag 2.) The flag lowered to half-mast above the White House 3.) Preston Bruce holding the flag with Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Circa 1983 4.) close-up of Preston Bruce’s handwriting of the dates the flag flew “19th Nov. 63 to Dec. 8 63”
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the funeral
An Official Assassination Flag from the top of the White House,
lowered to half-mast on November 22nd as the nation mourned 265
Official Mourning FlaG
Flown Above the White House on November 22nd
STARTING BID $10,000
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
H
istoric American flag, approximately 9.5 x 5 feet, which flew over the White House from November 19, 1963, to December 8, 1963, during part of the official mourning period for John F. Kennedy. This flag was presented to White House Doorman Preston Bruce and is signed in ink along the white border, “Preston Bruce, White House Doorman—November 22, 63—Recv. Dec. 8 /63,” and “Preston Bruce—White House Doorman, 53–77 [the 24 years that Mr. Bruce served at the White House], 19th Nov. 63 to Dec. 8 63—J.F.K.” Included is a letter from Preston Bruce, written on White House stationery, which states: “I certify that this flag was flown over the White House during the 30 day mourning period of President Kennedy’s death—given to me by Chief Engineer, Garland Nolan.” At the bottom, Mr. Bruce writes in his own hand, “8-21-83 White House Doorman. The flag above was flown from Nov. 19. 63. To Dec 8, 19.63.” Additionally included is a large manilla White House envelope in which Preston Bruce stored the flag. The address typed on the label reads “President John F. Kennedy, The White House, Washington, DC.” Mr. Bruce also hand-notated the envelope, “12/8/63, Flag that flew over W. H., Preston Bruce, White House Doorman.” From a point of historical fact, it was December 8, 1963, when Jacqueline Kennedy and her children actually moved out of the White House. Also included is a detailed August 21, 1983 letter of provenance from Preston Bruce to noted collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, written on
White House stationery, reading, in part: “This large…American Flag is the Official Flag which flew over the White House from November 19, 1963 to Dec. 8, 1963…During the 30 days of official mourning, there was this Official Flag and only one other Official Flag that flew over the White House constantly. My understanding is that the other American Flag went to the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. Knowing that I worked closely in the vicinity of the First Family, J. B. West, the White House Chief Usher [Bruce’s boss at the time]…agreed to let me keep the flag…On the white canvas edge I have written in ink, ‘Preston Bruce White House Doorman—Nov. 22. 63—recv. Dec 8/63.’ Again, I wrote ‘Preston Bruce White House Doorman 53-77 19th Nov 63 to Dec 8 63—J. F. K.,’ the exact dates that this Official American Flag flew above the White House.” Also included is a photo of Amyx receiving the flag from Bruce in 1983 and two other snapshots as well. In overall fine condition, with some expected Fall weathering and some tears to corners. Of the thousands of flags that flew at half-mast in honor of the fallen President, at so many different US Federal locations, this is one of only two used in the official mourning observations in Washington, DC, adorning the top of the White House. With letters of provenance from Preston Bruce, with whom Kennedy shared a well-documented relationship, this is an extraordinarily significant piece: the ultimate symbol of the American tragedy. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
161
The servicemen who bore JFK’s casket 266
John F. Kennedy Pallbearers
Collection of Seven Autographs STARTING BID $200
Seven vintage ballpoint signatures of Kennedy’s pallbearers on on individual black-bordered custom 5 x 3.75 collector’s cards. Signers are: George A. Barnum (Coast Guard), Richard E. Gaudreau (Air Force), James L. Felder (Army), Jerry J. Diamond (Marines), Douglas A. Mayfield (Army), Hubert Clark (Navy), and Timothy F. Cheek (Marines). Felder also enclosed a brief ALS responding to the original autograph request. In overall fine condition. All are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes, postmarked during the spring of 1966.
267
John F. Kennedy Funeral Procession
Set of Five Photographs STARTING BID $200
Five vintage color glossy 3.5 x 2.5 snapshot photos of JFK’s funeral procession, three of the horse-drawn caisson carrying Kennedy’s flag-draped coffin and two of the general procession. In overall fine condition, with corner creases to a couple photos.
162
the funeral
268
Robert and Jacqueline Kennedy
Pair of Mourning Cards, One Signed by RFK STARTING BID $200
Two mourning cards: one issued by Robert and Ethel Kennedy following the death of JFK, 4.75 x 3, with a brief ANS by Robert in the lower left corner in blue ballpoint, “Dear Congressman, A belated note of thanks for your kind and thoughtful letter. Bob”; and the other issued by Jacqueline Kennedy, bearing her preprinted signature in the upper right. Both are matted and framed with a photo from the funeral to an overall size of 14.5 x 15. In overall fine condition.
269
Ted Kennedy
Typed Quote Signed STARTING BID $200 Souvenir presentation on an off-white 11 x 8.5 sheet, featuring a quote and an affixed image of JFK’s funeral, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “Ted Kennedy.” In part: “People did not grieve solely for the man and his stricken family, or for the end of some semi-mythical White House ‘Camelot.’ They grieved as well for all the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations that John Kennedy had somehow come to represent.” In fine condition.
270
Ted Kennedy
Signed Eulogy and Mourning Card
STARTING BID $200 Printed booklet of “Eulogies to the Late President Delivered in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, November 24, 1963,” 6 x 9, six pages, signed on the front cover by John F. Kennedy’s brother and former Senator Ted Kennedy. Brief eulogies were delivered inside the rotunda by Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield of Montana, Chief Justice Earl Warren, and Speaker McCormack as Kennedy lay in state; and a black-bordered mourning card, 3.5 x 4.75, with a portrait of John F. Kennedy on one side and a printed prayer on the reverse, signed on the reverse in black ink by Ted Kennedy. In fine condition. Accompanied by two high-quality glossy 8 x 10 photos, one of President Kennedy lying in state, and one of his casket being loaded onto the caisson during the State funeral. This is likely one of the only pair of signed examples from this event that Senator Kennedy has ever personally signed. Each signature was obtained by the consignor in 2003 (during the 40th anniversary of the JFK assassination) at the US Senate and likely represents a unique offering from his last surviving brother and late US Senator.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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271
Lyndon B. Johnson
Proclamation of Mourning STARTING BID $200
Printed proclamation issued by Lyndon B. Johnson to announce a national day of mourning, one page, 8.5 x 14, November 23, 1963. In part: “John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, has been taken from us by an act which outrages decent men everywhere. He upheld the faith of our fathers, which is freedom for all men. He broadened the frontiers of that faith, and backed it with the energy and the courage which are the mark of the Nation he led. A man of wisdom, strength, and peace, he moulded and moved the power of our Nation in the service of a world of growing liberty and order. All who love freedom will mourn his death. As he did not shrink from his responsibilities, but welcomed them, so he would not have us shrink from carrying on his work beyond this hour of national tragedy. He said it himself: ‘The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.’ Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, do appoint Monday next, November 25, the day of the funeral service of President Kennedy, to be a national day of mourning throughout the United States. I earnestly recommend the people to assemble on that day in their respective places of divine worship, there to bow down in submission to the will of Almighty God, and to pay their homage of love and reverence to the memory of a great and good man. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this day of mourning and rededication.” Gold seal is affixed to the lower left, with the upper portion partially detached. In fine condition, with three horizontal storage folds. Consignor notes that this originates from the estate of Percy Nelson.
272
Lyndon B. Johnson
Condolence Card
STARTING BID $100 Original printed condolence card sent from the White House following Kennedy’s assassination, 6 x 3.5, bearing a printed facsimile of Lyndon B. Johnson’s signature at the bottom. In part: “Mrs. Johnson and I acknowledge with deep appreciation your thoughtful expression of personal interest and confidence during the sorrow after the death of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.” In very good condition, with a central horizontal crease, crease to lower left corner, and a couple areas of foxing.
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The cartoon that captured
the grief of the nation
273
Bill Mauldin
Signed Cartoon Print of Lincoln Grieving STARTING BID $200 Print of Mauldin’s famous cartoon depicting a grieving Abraham Lincoln, 11 x 14, signed and inscribed at the bottom in blue ballpoint, “For Joseph Fricelli, Bill Mauldin.” Some toning, creases, and tape remnants to borders (all of which could be matted out), otherwise fine condition.
Stylish hand-highlighted image by the Vanity Fair artist 274
John F. Kennedy
Hand-Embellished Print by Paolo Garretto STARTING BID $200 Italian caricaturist (1903–1989) whose work appeared in Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Fortune, House and Garden, and other publications. Vintage color print of Garretto’s full-length caricature of John F. Kennedy, 8.5 x 18.25, in a gray suit with papers in one of his hands, with several small accents added by hand, including filling in Kennedy’s tie, with Garretto’s printed signature in the lower right. Scattered light foxing and toning, and mounting remnants along top edge of reverse, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an 11 x 14 lithograph of Garretto’s impression of Marilyn Monroe, signed in the lower border in pencil by Garretto.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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John F. Kennedy
Oversized Photograph and Newspaper Stand Placard STARTING BID $100 Two items: original 22 x 28 newspaper stand placard featuring the slain president’s portrait advertising their exclusive memorial magazine to be included with the December 8 [1963] issue of The Sunday [Boston] Globe; and an unsigned color satin-finish 16 x 20 photo of Kennedy at the helm of his sailboat. In very good condition, with two mounting holes and scattered soiling to placard and rippling and spotting to photo.
276
277
November 25, 1963
Funeral Photographs Group of Four
STARTING BID $200
STARTING BID $100
Original edition of the Congressional Record issued on November 25, 1963, 6 pages, 8.5 x 11, containing proceedings from both the House of Representatives and Senate in which they discuss Kennedy and his assassination. In very good condition, with a central vertical fold, overall toning, and creasing and chipping to top edge.
Four original vintage glossy press photos related to Kennedy’s funeral, 7 x 9 and 9 x 7, all with inherent captions to the borders. Two show the funeral procession, one shows Jacqueline Kennedy with Richard Cardinal Cushing, and the other shows Robert and Jacqueline Kennedy departing from the White House. In overall fine condition, with some edge toning.
Congressional Record:
166
John F. Kennedy
the funeral
Jackie, Caroline, and John, Jr. visit Arlington National Cemetery 278
Jacqueline Kennedy and HER Children
Photograph at Arlington Cemetery
STARTING BID $200 Solemn original mattefinish 14 x 11 photo of Jacqueline Kennedy and her two children grieving at JFK’s grave site at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 1964, which would have been the president’s 47th birthday. Signed in the lower border in black ink by the photographer, “James K. W. Atherton.” In fine condition, with unobtrusive creasing to corners.
279
Jacqueline Kennedy
Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $200
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
ALS signed “Jackie,” one page both sides, 6.25 x 4, sea shell letterhead, no date. Letter to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, dated “2/24/93,” at the top of the first page in McNamara’s hand. In full: “Look what Les Aspin said about you. Don’t ever doubt for a moment that you were one of the most valuable men in American history—And respected—and admired and loved. That’s why people want to write books about you—because you towered above the others—I’m sure you’d be willing to give up that dubious compliment! But it is a compliment and you let them diminish you by getting upset. Didn’t Mrs. Roosevelt say ‘No one can humiliate me without my assent?’ You will always be a shining knight to me.” In fine condition. A hearfelt letter probably sent in response to an earlier downcast note from McNamara. Provenance: The Robert S. McNamara Collection, Sotheby’s 2012.
167
168
the funeral
280
Jacqueline Kennedy
Autograph Letter Signed to the Author of the Day Kennedy Was Shot STARTING BID $1,000
A
LS, two pages both sides, 6.25 x 9.25, black-bordered personal letterhead, September 17, 1964. Mrs. Kennedy urgently appeals to Jim Bishop to relinquish plans to write his intended book, The Day Kennedy was Shot. In full: “I write to appeal to you to please not go ahead with your intended book—The Day Kennedy Was Shot. The idea of it so distressing to me. I cannot bear to think of seeing—or of seeing advertised—a book with that name and subject—or that my children might see it or someone might mention it to them. This whole year has been a struggle and it seems you can never escape from reminders. You try so hard to avoid them—then you take the children to the news shop—and there is a magazine with a picture of Oswald on it staring up at you. Now the Warren report is about to come out—I will try not to read the papers until it is over with. As you know, it was my fear as long ago as December [1963]— that all sorts of different and never ending, conflicting, and sometimes sensational things would be written about President Kennedy’s death. So I hired William Manchester— to protect President Kennedy and the truth. He was to interrogate everyone who had any connection with those days—and if I decide the book should never be published—then Mr. Manchester will be reimbursed for his time. Or if I decide it should be known, I will decide when it should be published—some time in the future when the pain is not so fresh.
your words, of something which will be published any way. It would be just one more thing that would cause suffering, and it would not add anything new. For this reason—I beg of you not to go ahead with your book. You were most sensitive to my feelings the one time I met you—I fervently hope you will be again.” The first page of the letter bears a blue cast caused when the letter was accidentally placed on a thermofax machine, giving the front page only a mimeographed appearance, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a photocopy of Bishop’s response to Kennedy’s letter, as well as a copy of a 1966 letter from Bishop to his editor at Random House, intending to proceed with the book even though Kennedy has shut off his sources.
“I write to appeal to you to please not go ahead with your intended book— The Day Kennedy Was Shot,” pleads the grieving widow: “This whole year has been a struggle and it seems you can never escape from reminders”
I suppose I must let it appear as I have no right to suppress history, which people have a right to know, for reasons of private pain. But all the people he spoke to were asked not to discuss those days with anyone else—and they have all kept that faith, and will continue to. So that leaves nothing but the Warren Commission report, which will be public any way, for an author like yourself to base a book on. I have not read and do not plan to read the report—but I know it will be factual and not contain the sort of personal detail that you need for your kind of book. So your book could only be a treatment [of the Report], in
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
HISTORY
Worried that “all sorts of different and never ending, conflicting, and sometimes sensational things would be written about President Kennedy’s death,” Jackie commissioned William Manchester to write an official account of the president’s final days in early 1964. He was given exclusive access to interview family members, friends, and associates of Kennedy’s—over a thousand people in total—and agreed to the stipulation that Mrs. Kennedy and Robert, then Attorney General, would have to approve the manuscript before it could be published, and that the earnings from the book would go to the JFK Library. Believing that she had the issue under control, Jackie was understandably upset when she received word that Jim Bishop (who had previously written A Day in the Life of President Kennedy, and met Mrs. Kennedy while working on it), was writing his own account. In an attempt to dissuade him, she appealed to him on an emotional level, discussing how difficult the year has been for her and especially her children, and on a business level, informing him that he would have access to no interviews, as Manchester was given that exclusive right. Despite this effort, Bishop’s book was published in 1968 to great success.
169
“It is all for President Kennedy and the rest of our lives you and I will do all we can for him”
Jackie grieves to JFK’s secretary
170
the funeral
281
Jacqueline Kennedy
Autograph Letter Signed to Evelyn Lincoln Regarding the Importance of Her Collection of Kennedy’s Papers STARTING BID $500
A
LS signed “Jackie,” ten pages, 5 x 7, personal letterhead, August 3, 1964. Letter to Evelyn Lincoln, written after seeing her uncle Lefty Lewis, who requested that all of Kennedy’s papers that Lincoln saved be dated, annotated, and locked up. In part: “I saw my Uncle—Lefty Lewis today in Newport—You remember—he came with me and Wayne Grover to your office this winter. He is probably the greatest historian & librarian in this country today—& he got into such a passion—all over again—about all the writings of the President you had saved—and how they would be more important to history than anything—He said he had told you all that and of course you know it now—But he wouldn’t let me out of his sight until l had promised to write you—to make sure that you date every one—which you can do from the Presidents appointment books.
and archivists can go over all the type written things—but all that will reveal Jack is in the things you saved—He said this whole country is indebted to you for that—and as an historian—who searches for years and finds one little tiny piece of handwritten in all a great man’s papers—you have just saved such a treasure trove—& only you can decipher it…Apparently there has never been anything like it in history—so for heaven’s sake—lock up the original in a fire proof place—and really work on the others, the Xerox copies—nothing has more importance. He cares—as an historian—and as someone who worshipped the President—I told him you were doing all this—but he so wanted to be reassured—because someone like him—who has had to track down people in history though little minor tidbits— a bill here—a cancelled check there—a faded letter 2 centuries old—he knows what you have—and he just can’t sleep until he knows that all that is annotated as it should be…He loved the President—and he wants to make sure—as you & I do—that future people will know all his different sides—and how much he himself did—so that we just won’t get the Sorensen State paper view of his administration—so it would be lovely if you could reassure him.” In fine condition. Provenance: The Robert L. White Collection; Guernsey’s, 2005.
“All that will reveal Jack is in the things you saved”
l said I was sure you had done that—but I don’t mind writing you about it in the middle of the night—as I am now doing—as it is all for President Kennedy and the rest of our lives you and I will do all we can for him—The other thing he said you must do is to annotate them—I said ‘what does that mean’?—and he told me of a slip of paper you had shown him & Wayne Grover—On the front—in your hand writing it said ‘Arthur Goldburg wants to see you at 10:30—is that all right’ and the President had taken that card and written lots of names on the back. Apparently when Wayne Grover saw it he knew just what the meeting had been about—perhaps he had been a part of it—anyway—that paper which could be meaningless to some archivist who came across it in the files—revealed a whole untold story to Wayne Grover & explained the point at some meeting—So Uncle Lefty said—with every little scrap like that—you should try & remember EVERYTHING connected with it—what the President was doing that day—who he saw before during & after he wrote it—who was at the State Dinner—what the President was doing that day—whom he saw before dinner & after he wrote it—who was at the State Dinners where he scribbled speeches on menus etc. I am sure you have all that—but if you haven’t—just forget about everything else—because Uncle Lefty says never before in history has there been such a gold mine of what will reveal the true man—as there is in all the things you have saved—Scholars
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
HISTORY The relationship between JFK and Evelyn Lincoln, the devoted personal secretary who served him from the day he entered the Senate to the day he was assassinated, was one of the most important in the president’s life—and, as emphasized by Jackie, one of the most important in the world’s understanding of him. Building his schedule and handling his personal tasks, Lincoln was by Kennedy’s side every day that he was in office, and joined his delegation on dozens of historic trips, from Ireland to Germany, Tampa to Dallas. After his assassination, Lincoln was given the president’s personal effects, ordered to clean out the Oval Office of his possessions, and charged with preparing the items for their ultimate destination: the presidential library in Boston. Along the way, she was also allowed to keep hundreds of items for herself, including doodles from important meetings, drawings by his children, pens used to sign significant documents, and his diaries and journals—all of which became invaluable resources in Kennedy research. With Jackie imploring Lincoln to do her due diligence in preserving the vast amount of information in her care for generations to come—“you have just saved such a treasure trove—& only you can decipher it”—this is an extraordinary letter, uniting two of the most important women in the fallen president’s life.
171
Jackie’s host in Spain proclaims McNamara:
“the only great man in North America now!” 282
Jacqueline Kennedy
Circa 1966 Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $200
172
A
LS signed “J,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.25 x 8, Las Duenas letterhead, no date. Letter to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, dated “4/17/66,” at the top of the first page in McNamara’s hand. Letter written from Seville, Spain reads, in part: “The most wonderful & kind & noble man I stayed with—Miguel Angel Cazano—said that you were the only great man in North America now!…I arrived in Madrid—& had breakfast at 1 a.m. my time—It is now 3 a.m. heaven knows who’s time—after the most disastrous & paparazzi infested ball which I did not want to go to to begin with—they are all watching flamenco & the Fera seems to me to need more training & fitness than you & Bobby ever need for your mountain climbs. Angie told me—in deepest secrecy which he swore me to—about the official letter you sent about my going to Seville with them on the plane—I thank you for that…I think of you & hope that you take care of yourself & that things are not too awful.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Kennedy’s hand, marked “Personal” on the front, and bearing her signature, “Mrs. Kennedy,” on the reverse as part of the return address. Both Jackie and her late husband held McNamara in extremely high esteem, with the former president regarding him as the ‘star of his team’ he was one of the few members of the administration to socialize with the Kennedys outside of work. Provenance: The Robert S. McNamara Collection, Sotheby’s 2012.
the funeral
284
Jacqueline Kennedy
Pair of Handwritten Notes STARTING BID $200
Two unsigned handwritten notes. The first is along the right edge of a 1969 TLS to Kennedy from American Legion commander Albert Casassa, on letterhead bearing John F. Kennedy’s memorable inauguration speech quote. The letter asks for, “permission to bestow upon you, an Honorary Membership to our Woman’s Auxiliary, to Caroline as an Honorary Member of the Jr. Auxiliary, and John Jr., as a Honorary Member of the SAL [Sons of the American Legion]. You are all eligible, because President Kennedy served in the Armed Forces during time of war.” Kennedy writes a note to David Powers at the top which reads, “What do I say? OK if hurts him too much not too—but can’t you say if it’s named for JFK that is we feel we belong to it anyway—I guess we should let him join us you decide.” The second unrelated note is to her personal secretary, Nancy Tuckerman, on a 5.75 x 3.5 off-white sheet, reading, “Nancy—what is most tactful answer—I don’t mind getting them & seeing them if it isn’t imposing.” In fine condition, with creasing to typed letter.
Jackie references the Bay of Pigs invasion 285
Jacqueline Kennedy
Autograph Letter Signed Referencing the Bay of Pigs Invasion STARTING BID $200 ALS signed “Jackie,” one page both sides, 6 x 7, personal letterhead, no date. Letter to Dave Powers. In part: “In the box are 2 dresses of mine—1) The blue evening dress was worn on State Visit to Mexico & to America’s Cup Races dinner in Newport, where JFK made his beautiful speech about the sea—2) The short pink dress was worn in Miami when JFK addressed the Cuban Brigade…We are keeping the Italian boat here for the time being—We take very good care of it—and as John has pictures of his father sailing in it off the pier—it means a great deal to him to do the same. So please don’t worry about it—It is just as safe as the Victura is with Teddy sailing it—& it will go in the Library one day.” In fine condition, with unobtrusive staple holes to the upper left. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Jackie’s hand to “Mr. Dave Powers.” The speech given to the “Cuban Brigade” that she mentions refers JFK’s speech of December 29, 1962, addressing the men of the brigade involved in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, in which he assured them ‘that Cuba shall one day be free.’
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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JFK’s wife, brother, and mother
lend their names to a published tribute 286
Kennedy Family
1968 Signed Book: JFK...As We Remember Him STARTING BID $200 Signed book: John Fitzgerald Kennedy…As We Remember Him. Later printing. NY: Macmillan Company, 1965. Softcover, 9.25 x 9, 241 pages. Signed and inscribed in blue and black ballpoint on the half-title page, “For Nou-Nou—I hope you get a good price…! With so much love— Ethel Kennedy,” “For Archie, with my good warm wishes, a friend of Nounou’s, Ted Kennedy, Sept 1968,” “with all best wishes, Jacqueline Kennedy, Hyannis Port, August 1968,” and “Best wishes to Archie, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/None. Illustrated wraps; edges worn, with approximately 1˝ split in paper at lower right spine-edge; large diagonal crease across upper corner of front cover; one bump across spine; slightly rubbed; front cover opens flat, with glue exposed (but binding strong). “Nou-Nou” was the nickname for the Robert Kennedy family’s nurse, Mary Mills. A unique and very desirable assemblage of some of JFK’s closest family members.
Still grieving,
Bobby and Ethel thank a congressman for condolences 287
Robert F. Kennedy
Autograph Note Signed on a Mourning Card STARTING BID $200
Black-bordered mourning card issued by Robert and Ethel Kennedy following the death of JFK, 5.25 x 3.75, with a brief ANS by Robert in the lower left corner in blue ballpoint, “Dear Congressman, My deep appreciation for your kind letter. Bob Kennedy.” The main text, in full: “We are deeply touched by your thoughtfulness in letting us know that you share in our sorrow.” In fine condition, with a tiny stain to the upper left.
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288
Robert and Ethel Kennedy
Signed Photograph
STARTING BID $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of the Kennedys walking outside with all eight of their children, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “For Nou nou, with appreciation and affection, Robert Kennedy,” and also signed in black ballpoint, “And with admiration from Ethel Kennedy.” Some light corner creases and Ethel’s signature fairly light, and only partially legible, otherwise fine condition. “Nou nou” was the nickname for the Robert Kennedy family’s nurse, Mary Mills.
289
Robert and Ethel Kennedy
Pair of Signed Books STARTING BID $200
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
Two hardcover books: a first edition of The Enemy Within, signed and inscribed on the first free end page in blue ballpoint, “For Pat, With warm regards, Robert Kennedy”; and a first edition of Robert Kennedy and His Times, signed and inscribed in red ink on the half-title page, “For Nounou—Who was so much a part of the family during the best of times. With love and gratitude—Ethel Kennedy, Christmas 1978.” In overall fine condition. “Nounou” was the nickname for the Robert Kennedy family’s nurse, Mary Mills.
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290
Ted Kennedy
Signed Newspaper
STARTING BID $200 Complete “Final Edition” of the November 22, 1963, Dallas Times Herald, with the headline reading, “Suspect Arrested / President Dead / Connally Shot,” signed in the upper left corner of the front page, “Ted Kennedy.” Front page provides the details of the shooting and the arrest of Oswald, and features a large photo of Kennedy greeting supporters at Love Field, as well as a small image of Lyndon B. Johnson. Expected uniform light toning, scattered edge wear and minor tears, and a central horizontal fold, otherwise fine condition. According to consignor, who obtained this signature in person in 2003 (the 40th anniversary of JFK’s passing) at the US Senate, Senator Kennedy commented he had never signed this paper before making it a possibly unique offering from his last surviving brother and late US Senator.
291
Ted Kennedy
Signed Typescript
STARTING BID $200 Souvenir typescript of Kennedy’s comments about his brother’s proudest moments from an interview with Ted Sorensen, one page, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in black felt tip, “Ted Kennedy.” In part: “One was the use of restraint as well as power in achieving a resolution of the Cuban missile crisis through extraordinary, imaginative diplomatic initiatives. Second was the partial nuclear-test-ban treaty, which started us down the road toward the control of nuclear weapons. I don’t think we would have achieved a partial test-ban treaty if the Cuban missile crisis policy had not been successful.” In very fine condition.
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“I can rely on you for guidance and counsel as I did my brothers” 292
Ted Kennedy
1970 Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $200 ALS signed “Ted,” two pages, 6 x 8, United States Senate letterhead, October 7, 1970. Letter to Robert S. McNamara. In full: “You were so thoughtful to write me your note and indicate your support for my campaign. As you know I value highly your friendship which has always been present, especially in the most difficult days. I would like to think that your greatest help to me is the continuing feeling I have that I can rely on you for guidance and counsel as I did my brothers.” In fine condition. Letter originates from the estate of Robert S. McNamara.
293
Evelyn Lincoln
Signed Book: Kennedy and Johnson STARTING BID $200
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
Signed book: Kennedy and Johnson. First edition, second printing. NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1968. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.5, 207 pages. Signed and inscribed on the half-title page in blue ink, “To Marsha Owen, with warm regards and best wishes from her friend—Evelyn Lincoln.” At the conclusion of the prologue, Lincoln added an ANS, in full: “These two men were poles apart and it was interesting to have to opportunity to observe their relationship first hand.” Autographic condition: very fine. Book condition: VG+/None. Accompanied by a TLS from Lincoln, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, February 14, 1995, transmitting the signed book.
177
Johnson honors his predecessor
by naming the Kennedy Center for the Arts 294
Lyndon B. Johnson
1963 Signed Document STARTING BID $500
178
D
S as president, one page both sides, 7.5 x 11, 88th Congress H. J. Res. 835 letterhead, December 4, 1963. Copy of the official government printed House Joint Resolution 835. Resolution reads, in part, “Joint Resolution to provide for renaming the National Cultural Center as the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Center, and authorizing an appropriation therefor. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that as a mark of respect and affection for President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, as a recognition of his abiding desire to promote and encourage the arts in America, and as a commemoration of his great services to the Nation and the people of the United States, the National Cultural Center provided for by the Act of September 2, 1958…as amended, shall be known hereafter as the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Center.” In fine condition. Johnson would dig the ceremonial first shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking for the center, which would finally open in 1971 with a premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Mass.’
the funeral
I also think that some enterprising “ reporter will, at some time in the future,
write a story on the vote frauds of 1960 which might have a great national impact
”
295
Richard Nixon
1966 Typed Letter Signed STARTING BID $200
T
LS signed “Dick,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, February 1, 1966. Letter to Earl Mazo, author of Richard Nixon: A Political and Personal Portrait. In full: “I found your suggestions most stimulating and you will probably see them plagiarized in some of my speeches in the weeks and months ahead, provided of course, they get any news coverage. I was, naturally, most interested in your monograph on Johnson and Nixon, the politicians! I hope some day it may be published. And I also think that some enterprising reporter will, at some time in the future, write a story on the vote frauds of 1960 which might have a great national impact. I suppose, of course, that additional time must expire so that such a work would not appear to cast a reflection on the Kennedy memory. Again, many thanks for giving me the benefit of your suggestions with regard to my upcoming speeches. With my limited staff it helps immensely to pick other people’s brains for good ideas.” In fine condition.
HISTORY As rumors of serious vote fraud circulated following Nixon’s incredibly narrow loss in the election of 1960, journalist Earl Mazo began an investigation to expose the scandal. Though there was well-documented evidence of fraud, Nixon did not contest the results and stopped Mazo’s story from hitting the stands. He was eclipsed during Camelot’s thousand days, the feeling of unimportance bitterly noted in his comment that Mazo would see his words plagiarized in speeches to come “provided of course, they get any news coverage.” Internalizing his anger about the ballot theft in Texas, Illinois, and elsewhere, he was convinced for the rest of his life that he had been ambushed by the Kennedy machine. Even after Kennedy’s assassination, Nixon was haunted by the martyred President’s ghost: “I also think that some enterprising reporter will, at some time in the future, write a story on the vote frauds of 1960 which might have a great national impact. I suppose, of course, that additional time must expire so that such a work would not appear to cast a reflection on the Kennedy memory.” Succumbing to paranoia even after his election to the presidency in 1968, Nixon conducted covert surveillance and smear campaigns against Ted Kennedy, Kennedy family allies, and other political opponents, a propensity that contributed to his eventual downfall and disgrace. When the “enterprising reporters” he had been waiting for finally appeared to write a story of fraud with “great national impact,” it was not into the election of 1960: it was into his own extensive deceit, exposing his final disgrace. This incredible letter reveals the early signs of a festering bitterness that would later manifest itself in the biggest scandal in American politics, shocking the world and forcing President Nixon out of office.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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John F. Kennedy
Memorial Flyer STARTING BID $100 Black-bordered cardstock memorial flyer, 5.5 x 9.5, honoring the life of John F. Kennedy, including a quote from his inauguration: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” In fine condition.
298
John F. Kennedy
Memorial Album
STARTING BID $200 His Last 24 Hours album produced by the State Democratic Executive Committee following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, distributed to those who would have been at the ‘Texas Welcome Dinner’ on the night of November 22. The record consists of his three speeches in Texas and his inaugural address. In very fine condition.
297
299
Collection of 17 Commemorative Covers
Collection of Memorial Signed Typescripts and Letters
STARTING BID $100
STARTING BID $200
Nice set of 17 commemorative covers and philatelic souvenirs housed in a binder honoring President Kennedy. Each cover bears a different cachet honoring Kennedy or his achievements, canceled during key dates in his presidency and in the years following his assassination. Includes an Inauguration Day cover; covers honoring his visit to the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, his trip to Berlin, various space and missile projects, and his family; and foreign philatelic souvenirs honoring Kennedy from Liberia, Argentina, Jordan, and Honduras. All are displayed in the binder on specially printed descriptive pages. In overall fine condition.
Collection of 36 items, consisting primarily of souvenir typescripts and letters, each signed by someone involved in honoring the memory of Kennedy, including many memorial address souvenir typescripts by members of Congress and a few firsthand accounts. A number are also related to the trial of Mac Wallace. Signers are: Bradford C. Boyd, Jack B. Brooks, Robert C. Byrd (4), Douglas Caddy (3), Richard Cardinal Cushing, Douglas Dillon, W. O. ‘Pete’ Edgar, Henry B. Gonzalez (4), Philip M. Hannan (7), Mike Mansfield, Barr McClellan, L. E. Noblitt, George A. Smathers (4), Strom Thurmond, and James C. Wright, Jr. (5). In overall fine condition.
John F. Kennedy
180
John F. Kennedy
the funeral
THE Commission
The evidence is gathered. The commission convenes. A grieving mother fights for her murdered son.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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301
Magic Bullet
Photograph
STARTING BID $100 Vintage glossy 7 x 9 CBS publicity photo of the ‘magic bullet,’ which allegedly killed John F. Kennedy and wounded Governor John Connally. Accompanied by the original CBS press caption for the three-day news inquiry entitled “The Warren Report.” In fine condition.
Warren commission signatures
and their promise to return personal items to Marina “as soon as it can be done”
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Warren Commission
Signatures and Telegram Sent to Marina Oswald STARTING BID $200 Five items: a presentation letter removed from Warren Commission report, 5.5 x 7, dated September 24, 1964, submitting their report to Lyndon B. Johnson, and bearing printed signatures of all the commission members, signed in ink and ballpoint by John Sherman Cooper, Gerald R. Ford, Allen W. Dulles, John J. McCloy, and J. Lee Rankin; individual ink signatures of Earl Warren, Richard Russell, and Hale Boggs on individual slips; and an original telegram, sent to Marina Oswald on the day of release of the Warren Report, September 24, 1964, from J. Lee Rankin, General Counsel, President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. Telegram reads, in part: “I was unable to reach you… to explain about photos, letters, documents, and other personal effects. We are arranging to have these returned to you as soon as it can be done and adequately protect the requirements of the commission’s reports…Some personal property cannot be returned where necessary for the report.” All five items are matted and framed together with a color portrait of the commission presenting its report to President Johnson, to an overall size of 14.75 x 27.5. In fine condition. Despite the promises of Rankin on behalf of the commission, none of Lee Harvey Oswald’s personal items were returned to Marina, with the exception of her husband’s wedding band almost 50 years later.
182
The Commission
303
Gerald Ford
Signed Warren Commission Souvenir Typescript STARTING BID $100 Souvenir typescript on a cream 6.25 x 8.5 sheet of personal letterhead with embossed presidential eagle, signed in black felt tip, “Gerald R. Ford, 4/7/95.” Ford’s statement regarding the findings of the Warren Commission. In full: “In 1964, the Warren Commission unanimously decided: 1. Lee Harvey Oswald was the assassin, and 2. The Commission found no evidence of a conspiracy, foreign or domestic. As a member of the Commission, I endorsed these conclusions in 1964 and fully agree now as the sole surviving Commission member.” In very fine condition.
304
Warren Commission
Collection of Signed Testimony Typescripts STARTING BID $200 Collection of 86 pages of souvenir typescripts of testimony given before the Warren Commission by many of those involved, 8.5 x 11, each signed in ink by the given witness, with nearly all signing multiple pages. Signers are: Don Ray Archer, Samuel B. Ballen (9), Welcome Eugene Barnett (6), Carlos Bringuier (4), Warren H. Burroughs, Waggoner Carr (3), Malcolm O. Couch (5), C. Douglas Dillon (6), Bobby W. Hargis (3), Clint Hill (7), M. Nick McDonald (6), L. D. Montgomery (4), Gregory Lee Olds (4), Dr. Malcolm O. Perry (6), Rio S. Pierce (4), James E. Romack (4), Irving Statman (7), Woodrow Wiggins (3), and Rufus W. Youngblood (3). In overall fine condition.
305
Warren Commission
Set of Three Signed Items STARTING BID $100
Three items: TLS signed “Earl Warren,” one page, 6 x 8, Supreme Court letterhead, March 30, 1956. In full: “It was thoughtful of you to remember my birthday and I appreciate it greatly”; a Time Magazine cover from July 5, 1954, depicting Senator John Sherman Cooper, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Frederic Susman, with appreciation and best wishes always, John Sherman Cooper, June 18, 1979, Washington, DC”; and a TLS from Cooper, one page, 8.5 x 11, Covington & Burling letterhead, June 18, 1979, transmitting the signed magazine cover. In overall fine condition, with mailing folds, creases, and small tears to magazine cover. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope for Warren’s letter, as well as an unsigned portrait of Warren Commission member Hale Boggs.
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
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184
The Commission
“My son, Lee, was accused of a terrible crime, murdered before he had a chance to defend himself in a court of law,” writes the mourning mother, offering exculpatory information about the alleged murder weapon
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Marguerite Oswald
Signed Typed Manuscript STARTING BID $300
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
T
yped manuscript entitled “Evidence,” signed “Marguerite Oswald,” 10 pages, 8.5 x 11, no date. Oswald explains inconsistencies in the evidence used to accuse her son of the assassination, with a main focus on the rifle. In part: “My son, Lee, was accused of a terrible crime, murdered before he had a chance to defend himself in a court of law, and deprived in death of what he had been denied in life…a lawyer who could examine the evidence against him and clear his name. My son declared his innocence. Millions of Americans watching television heard HIM say, ‘I did not kill President Kennedy,…I did not kill anyone…I don’t know what this is all about…’ HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH! He said he knew nothing of ‘A. Hidell.’ But even if he were A. Hidell, and had ordered a 6.5 Italian Carbine from Klein’s Sporting Goods by answering their February, 1963, advertisement in the American Rifleman…That advertisement offered a 36 inch 5 1/2 pound model 6.5 Italian Carbine. The rifle described by FBI Firearms Identification Expert Robert A. Frazier…with an overall length of 40.2 inches, weighing 8 pounds with scope and sling, is the model of Italian Carbine offered by Klein’s in the advertisement from the Nov. 1963, issue of Field & Stream, which is for a 40 inch rifle weighing 7 pounds without scope and sling.” In very good condition, with overall creases and scattered staining, edge tears to the last page, and show-through from various unrelated ballpoint notations to reverse of final page. Accompanied by an unsigned eight-page typescript entitled “Aftermath of an Execution: The Burial and Final Rites of Lee Harvey Oswald, As Told by His Mother
Marguerite,” and an unsigned typescript, 13 pages, consisting of a transcript of a radio interview with Lee Harvey Oswald recorded three months before the assassination, as well as a few other related articles. Also accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, stating that the documents were given to her “by Marguerite C. Oswald, when I was her nurse at Harris Methodist Hospital, during her last days.”
HISTORY Driven by the belief that her son spoke the truth when he declared his innocence, and hurt by what she considered the misrepresentation of her parenting and the Oswald family in the Warren Commission Report, Marguerite Oswald became an advocate for her slain son. In her own investigation, one of her key pieces of evidence supporting his innocence was the controversy over the rifle. At the time of his arrest, Oswald had a fake Selective Service System card under the name ‘Alek James Hidell,’ the name used on both envelope and order slip to buy the alleged murder weapon, as well as the New Orleans post office box that he rented that June. In this manuscript, Marguerite concedes that “even if he were A. Hidell, and had ordered a 6.5 Italian Carbine from Klein’s Sporting Goods” (which her son denied), the rifle described by the FBI Firearms Identification Expert did not match that gun. A fascinating mix of grief and an impressive attention to factual details, this is an extraordinary piece from the grieving mother-turned-investigator.
185
Maintaining that “the picture is changing,” Marguerite sells Lee’s letters 307
Marguerite Oswald
1968 Typed Letter Signed STARTING BID $200
TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, January 7, 1968. Letter to Keith Thompson. In part: “I need to sell another letter or two. Could you advise me as to the date of your next auction? One letter I know I want to auction is dated November 8, 1961…Lee mentions that he received some more letters from me and that he would like for me to send him some more books…In this letter, he informs me that I am going to be a grandmother about the beginning of March. The mention of my coming to the Soviet Union was because I had written Lee that I would love to come to the Soviet Union and visit them but he remarks, ‘I don’t recommend it in my case.’…is a two page letter and one that did not go before the Warren Commission…I would hope that this letter would bring $1,500.00. You are possibly quite aware that the picture is changing and also that Jim Garrison’s trial of Clay Shaw will be just about the time of said auction.” In fine condition, with a crease to the upper right and mild stain to top border. An intriguing letter mentioning both the Warren Commission and Garrison’s trial of Clay Shaw, also offering insight into the enduring collectibility of Oswald material.
308
Marguerite Oswald
Signed Typescript STARTING BID $200 Typescript entitled “Aftermath of an Execution: The Burial and Final Rites of Lee Harvey Oswald, As Told by His Mother Marguerite,” 8 pages, 8.5 x 11, signed and inscribed on the front in blue ballpoint, “To Norma—Thanks, Marguerite Oswald, 732-6839.” Oswald describes her experience regarding her son’s funeral and burial. In part: “At the funeral no friends or even sympathizers were allowed to be present. As we left the grounds, I noticed a sight that I had seen as we came in, and one I shall never forget. The cemetery flag was at half-staff. Of course, I knew it was flying low because our President had died. But to me, you see, it meant also that my son was being buried under a flag that was at half-staff, too. Sometimes there is joy even in sorrow.” In fine condition, with light toning and soiling.
186
The Commission
The spy who fell to Earth
Ike sent him up. JFK brought him home.
M
uch of John F. Kennedy’s legacy results from his bold, decisive actions as the United States and USSR went head-to-head on the international stage—when he took office, the Cold War was in full swing, and between atomic tests, the space race, and international spy games, the world at times seemed to teeter on the brink of destruction. Three months after taking office, Kennedy and his administration were embarrassed by the botched overthrow of Fidel Castro during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Later that summer, the Soviet Union began building the Berlin Wall—a symbol that literally isolated east from west. While the Eisenhower administration had seen any sort of concession to the USSR as ‘appeasement,’ Kennedy recognized the value of diplomacy and discussion as a way to ease the tension between nations—a thought concisely expressed in his inaugural address: “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” An early example of this idea in action came when Kennedy approved the release of a Soviet spy in exchange for downed pilot Francis Gary Powers, the first such ‘spy swap’ between the nations, made in part because both President Kennedy and Premier Khrushchev desired better relations between their countries.
Remarkable suitcase carried by Francis Gary Powers during the first prisoner exchange between the US and Soviet Union,
authorized by JFK in 1962
309
Francis Gary Powers’s
Suitcase Carried During the First Soviet Union Prisoner Exchange in 1962 STARTING BID $10,000
E
xtremely historically important suitcase that Powers carried across the Glienicke Bridge in Potsdam, Germany, on February 10, 1962, when he was traded for KGB spy Rudolf Abel in the first prisoner exchange between the United States and Soviet Union. Dark brown suitcase measures 23.75 x 14 x 7 and is lined with black cloth, bearing remnants of a Russian tag affixed to the interior. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Gary Powers, Jr.
HISTORY Following his distinguished service in the Air Force, Francis Gary Powers joined the CIA’s U-2 program, conducting espionage missions using an aircraft equipped with a state-of-the-art camera designed to take high-resolution photos from the edge of the stratosphere over hostile countries. When his plane was shot down on May 1, 1960, Powers was unable activate its self-destruct mechanism before he parachuted to the ground and into the hands of the KGB. He was interrogated extensively for months before providing a forced confession, and on August 17, 1960, he was convicted of espionage against the Soviet Union and sentenced to three years in prison and seven years of hard labor. One year and nine months
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later, President Kennedy authorized the first prisoner exchange between the two rivals, swapping Powers, along with American student Frederic Pryor, for Soviet KGB Colonel Vilyam Fisher (aka Rudolf Abel), the highest-ranking Soviet officer ever tried and convicted on espionage charges in the US, in a well-publicized spy swap at the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin, Germany. Despite a cold reception upon his return, it was determined that Powers had followed orders and conducted himself with exemplary behavior. In May 2000, on the 40th anniversary of the U-2 Incident, his family was presented with his posthumously awarded Prisoner of War Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star and National Defense Service Medal. He was also posthumously honored at that time with the CIA’s coveted Director’s Medal for extreme fidelity and extraordinary courage in the line of duty, and two years later, with the USAF Silver Star in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon. Originally exhibited at Virginia’s Cold War Museum, co-founded by Powers’s son, this suitcase is an incredible memento from a momentous day in history, and a striking reminder of Powers’s service during the trying times of the Cold War.
The spy who fell to earth
310
Francis Gary Powers’s
Russian Book
STARTING BID $200 Powers’s personally-owned book, Getting Along in Russian, used to learn the language while serving his prison sentence there. Later printing. NY: Bantam Books, 1959. Softcover, 4.25 x 6.75, 228 pages. Hand-notated by Powers in blue ballpoint, “Temp.,” on a page describing conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Autographic condition: very good to fine, with creasing to covers. Book condition: G+/None. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Gary Powers, Jr.
311
Francis Gary Powers
1960 Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $200
ALS signed “Gary,” four pages, 7.75 x 10, November 8, 1960. Letter to his wife, Barbara. In part: “Tonight as I write this letter it is about two o’clock in the afternoon there and it is Election Day. Needless to say I wish I were there. Tomorrow I should know who has been elected President. From the news I have of what is going on, it seems to be pretty close. From what I have read I personally hope Kennedy is elected. There doesn’t appear to be too much difference in their policies but his does seem to be a little more realistic...I was told that you might be able to contact someone in the State Dept. and send a package through Diplomatic channels and let the American Embassy take care of it here…I really do enjoy the coffee—more than anything else except the cigarettes I guess. Yesterday was a big holiday here in Russia as you know. Of course it didn’t affect me but all the people outside had a big celebration. The radio was full of celebrations all day. Last night at eight o’clock according to the radio there was a twenty gun salute from one hundred large guns plus a firework display in Moscow. That would have been something to see I am sure. Maybe it will be in the newsreels. Last Sunday morning, instead of a movie, there was a concert given by some of the prisoners. I enjoyed it very much. Some of them had a lot of talent. One in particular could play almost any musical instrument. The whole day was spoiled for me by the prison commander. I’ll tell you about it some [sic] of these days. He is the only person I have seen in the Soviet Union who I dislike...I am not looking forward to the cold weather. It has already been colder than I have experienced in the last six or eight years. You wouldn’t like it at all.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Powers’s hand, as well as the list of locations where the custom duty can be paid in the US. Powers’s comments about JFK are particularly resonant—little did he know that Kennedy would go on to authorize the prisoner exchange that would free him from the Soviets. LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
189
“I am glad that Kennedy won” 312
Francis Gary Powers
1960 Autograph Letter Signed STARTING BID $200 ALS signed “Gary,” three pages, 7.75 x 10, written on November 15 and 24, 1960. Letter to his wife, Barbara. In part: “I am very worried because I haven’t heard from you in a long time. In fact I haven’t received an answer to any of my letters that I have written since I have been moved to this prison. It has been over forty days since I had your last letter. Hope nothing is wrong…It looks as if there is some trouble with the new return address. It is correct as I sent it to you. The people here have checked several times and assure me that the letters were mailed… This will be the sixth letter I have written you since I have been transferred. I have not received an answer to any of them. The last letter I received from you was in answer to two letters I wrote just before leaving Moscow…I have had some pictures made and will enclose them in this letter. Don’t want you to forget what I look like. Things here have been just about the same. Nothing new happens. I have seen several movies and three concerts—two of which were given by armature groups from factories in town and the other by prisoners. I have enjoyed all of them. In my last letter, I did not know the results of the election. I am glad that Kennedy won. I sincerely hope he turns out to be a good President and puts the good of the people above all other considerations.” In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Powers’s hand.
313
Francis Gary Powers’s
Russian Souvenir
STARTING BID $200 Powers’s personally-owned souvenir brought back from Russia, 3.75 x 4.5 x 2.25, featuring a three-dimensional winter scene inside of clear plastic, set upon a black plastic base. In fine condition, with a few surface dings and scratches. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Gary Powers, Jr.
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The spy who fell to earth
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risdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the parties’ agreement, and the parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction. An award granted in arbitration is enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator’s award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. This agreement and any claims shall be determined and construed under Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law. RR Auction is in compliance, to the fullest extent possible, with Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County procedures regarding the bonding of auctioneers. Auctioneer and Auction: 1. This Auction is presented by RR Auction, a d/b/a/ of R&R Auction Company, LLC, as identified with the applicable licensing information on the title page of the catalog or on the www.RRauction.com Internet site (the “Auctioneer”). The Auction is conducted under these Terms and Conditions of Sale and applicable state and local law. Announcements and corrections from the podium at live auctions and those made through the Terms and Conditions of Sale appearing on the Internet at RRauction.com supersede those in the printed catalog. Bidder/Bidders: 2. “Bidder” or “Bidders” shall mean the original Bidder of the property from RR Auction and not any subsequent owner or other person who may acquire or have acquired an interest therein. If Bidder is an agent, the agency must be disclosed in writing to RR Auction prior to the time of sale, otherwise the benefits of the warranty shall be limited to the agent and not transferable to the undisclosed principal. 3. The rights granted to Bidders under these Terms and Conditions of Sale are personal and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Any attempt to assign or transfer any such rights shall be absolutely void and unenforceable. No third party may rely on any benefit or right conferred on any Bidder by these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 4. Bids will not be accepted from minor persons under eighteen (18) years of age without a parent’s written consent containing an acknowledgment that the Terms and Conditions of Sale herein and indicating their agreement to be bound thereby on behalf of the Bidder. 5. Any person participating or registering for the Auction agrees to be bound by and accepts these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 6. All Bidders must meet Auctioneer’s qualifications to bid. Any Bidder who is not a client in good standing of RR Auction may be disqualified at RR Auction’s sole option and will not be awarded lots. Such determination may be made by RR Auction in its sole and unlimited discretion, at any time prior to, during, or even after the close of the Auction. RR Auction reserves the right to exclude any person from the auction. 7. If an entity places a bid, then the person executing the bid on behalf of the entity agrees to personally guarantee payment for any successful bid. 8. By accepting the Terms and Conditions of Sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment. If the Bidder is a corporation, the officers, directors, and principals of the corporation hereby agree to personally and unconditionally guarantee payment as part of the corporation’s agreement to bid. The authorized representative of any corporate Bidder who is present at the sale shall provide RR Auction or its agent, prior to the commencement of the bidding (or at the time of registration), with a statement signed by each principal, director and officer that they each personally and unconditionally guarantee any payment due RR Auction Credit: 9. In order to place bids, Bidders who have not established credit with the Auctioneer must either furnish satisfactory credit information (including two collectibles-related business references) or supply valid credit card information, well in advance of the Auction. Bidders who are not members of RRAuction.com should pre-register before the close of the Auction to allow adequate time to contact references. Credit will be granted at the discretion of Auctioneer. Additionally Bidders who have not previously established credit or who wish to bid in excess of their established credit history may be required to provide their social
security number or the last four digits thereof so a credit check may be performed prior to Auctioneer’s acceptance of a bid. Check writing privileges and immediate delivery of merchandise may also be determined by pre-approval of credit based on a combination of criteria: RRAuction.com history, related industry references, bank verification, a credit bureau report and/or a personal guarantee for a corporate or partnership entity in advance of the auction venue. Buyer’s Premium: 10. All bids are subject to a Buyer’s Premium which is in addition to the placed successful bid. The buyer’s premium will be added to the successful bid price and is payable by the Bidder as part of the total purchase price. The Bidder acknowledges and agrees that a 20% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the hammer price on all individual lots if payment is made by cash, check or wire payments. RR Auction may accept a current and valid VISA or MasterCard, credit or debit cards and/or PayPal for payment for winning bids under $5,000.00, but under the express condition that any property purchased by credit or debit card shall not be refundable, returnable, or exchangeable, and that no credit to Buyer’s credit or debit card account will be issued under any circumstances. In addition, there will be an additional 2.5% buyer’s Premium for Bidders who chose to pay via credit card or Paypal for invoices of $5,000 or less. The last sentence constitutes RR Auction’s “official policy” regarding returns, refunds, and exchanges where credit or debit cards are used. For payment other than by cash, delivery will not be made unless and until full payment has been actually received by RR Auction, i.e., check has fully cleared or credit or debit card funds fully obtained. Unless otherwise agreed in a writing signed by RR Auction, payment in full is due within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date, whichever is later. Bidding: 11. By submitting a bid, whether online, in person, by mail, by phone, by facsimile or through an employee or agent, the Bidder acknowledges (i) receipt of the catalogue, (ii) that the Bidder has read the Terms and Conditions of Sale and the descriptions for the lots on which they have bid, and (iii) that they agree to adhere to these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 12. Each Bidder’s determination of its bid should be based upon its own examination of the item(s), rather than the strict reliance as to what is represented in this Catalogue, online or elsewhere. In any purchase or sale, the value of the item(s) is determined by the price. THE BIDDER HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RISKS OF VALUATION CONCERNING ANY AND ALL PURCHASES. 13. RR AUCTION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS IN BIDDING. A Bidder should make certain to bid on the correct lot and that the bid is the maximum (plus the 20% Buyer’s Premium) that the Bidder is willing and able to pay. Since other Bidders (by mail, facsimile and in person) will be present, and since a re-offering could damage the momentum of the sale, once the hammer has fallen and the Auctioneer has announced the winning Bidder, such Bidder is unconditionally bound to pay for the lot, even if the Bidder has made a mistake. 14. If the description of any lot in the catalogue is incorrect (e.g. gross cataloging error), the lot is returnable if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the sale date. NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED EXCEPT BY REASON OF LACK OF AUTHENTICITY, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. 15. All prospective Bidders who examine lots in person prior to the sale shall personally assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. RR Auction shall have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective Bidder. 16. Title to any lot remains with Consignor, any secured party of the Consignor, or assignee of Consignor, as the case may be, until the lot is paid for in full by Bidder. RR Auction reserves the right to require payment in full before delivering any lot to the successful Bidder. 17. It is the Bidder’s responsibility and obligation to have the lots fully insured while in their possession. Bidder assumes any and all RISK OF
LOSS once the lot(s) is in Bidder’s possession. 18. Bidder grants to RR Auction or its assigns the right to offset any sums due, or found to be due by RR Auction, and to make such offset from any past, subsequent or future consignment, or items acquired by Bidder in possession or control of RR Auction or from any sums due to Bidder by RR Auction. Bidder further grants RR Auction a purchase money security interest in such sums or items to the extent applicable, and agrees to execute such documents as may be reasonably necessary to grant RR Auction such security interest. Bidder agrees that RR Auction and its assigns shall be a secured party with respect to items bought by Bidder and in the possession of RR Auction, to the extent of the maximum indebtedness, plus all accrued expenses, until the indebtedness is paid. 19. By bidding in this sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment. If the Bidder is a corporation, the officers, directors, and principals of the corporation hereby agree to personally and unconditionally guarantee payment as part of the corporation’s agreement to bid. The authorized representative of any corporate Bidder who is present at the sale shall provide RR Auction or its agent, prior to the commencement of the bidding (or at the time of registration), with a statement signed by each principal, director and officer that they each personally and unconditionally guarantee any payment due RR Auction. 20. RR Auction may at its sole and absolute discretion, make loans or advances to Consignors and/or prospective Bidders. 21. If a dispute arises concerning ownership of a lot that has been bid upon during the course of the sale, RR Auction reserves the right to commence a statutory interpleader proceeding at the expense of the Consignor and successful Bidder and any other applicable party, and in such event shall be entitled to its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. 22. In the event of a successful challenge to the title to any goods purchased, RR Auction agrees to reimburse any Bidder in an amount equal to the successful bid price actually paid by Bidder at auction plus any Buyer’s Commission actually paid, in full and complete satisfaction of all claims, which once tendered by RR Auction, relieves and releases RR Auction from any responsibility whatsoever to the Bidder, even if the instrument is not cashed or is returned. Bidding Options: 23. Non-Internet bids (including but not limited to podium, fax, phone and mail bids) are treated similar to floor bids in that they must be onincrement. Any podium, fax, phone, or mail bids that do not conform to a full increment will be rounded up or down to the nearest full increment and this revised amount will be considered your high bid. 24. When identical mail or FAX bids are submitted, preference is given to the first received. To ensure the greatest accuracy, written bids should be entered on the standard printed bid sheet and be received at RR Auction’s place of business at least twenty-four (24) hours before the Auction start. Auctioneer is not responsible for executing mail bids or FAX bids received on or after the day the first lot is sold, nor Internet bids submitted after the published closing time; nor is Auctioneer responsible for proper execution of bids submitted by telephone, mail, FAX, e-mail, Internet, or in person once the Auction begins. 25. In internet only Auctions, bids on an item must raise the current high bid by at least 10%. Bids will be accepted in whole dollar amounts only. No “buy” or “unlimited” bids will be accepted. In a live sale, bids on an item can change at the discretion of the auctioneer. 26. RR Auction reserves the right to accept or decline any bid. Bids must be for an entire lot and each lot constitutes a separate sale. All bids are per lot unless otherwise announced. Live auction lots will be sold in their numbered sequence unless the Auctioneer directs otherwise. It is unlawful and illegal for Bidders to collude, pool, or agree with another Bidder to pay less than the fair value for lot(s). Bidders participating in both live and online auctions acknowledge that the law provides for substantial penalties in the form of treble damages and attorneys’ fees and costs for those who violate these provisions. For live auctions the auctioneer will have final discretion in the event that any dispute should arise between bidders. The auctioneer will determine the successful bidder, cancel the sale, or re-offer and resell the lot or
lots in dispute. RR Auction will have final discretion to resolve any disputes arising after the sale and in online auctions. If any dispute arises our sale record is conclusive. Payment: 27a. Subject to fulfillment of all of the Terms and Conditions of Sale set forth herein, at the close of the Auction, title to the offered lot will pass to the highest bidder acknowledged by RR Auction, and such bidder thereupon (a) assumes full risk and responsibility (including without limitation, liability for or damage to frames or glass covering prints, paintings, photos, or other works), and (b) will immediately pay the full purchase price or such part as we may require. In addition to other remedies available to RR Auction by law, RR Auction reserves the right to impose from the date of sale a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price if payment is not made in accordance with the conditions set forth herein. All property must be removed from RR Auction’s premises by the Bidder at his/her expense not later than thirteen (13) business days following its sale and if it is not so removed, (i) a handling charge of 1% of the total purchase price per month from the 13th day after the sale until its removal will be payable to RR Auction by the Bidder, with a minimum of 5% of the total purchase price for any property not so removed within 60 days after the sale, and (ii) RR Auction may send the purchased property to a public warehouse for the account, at the risk and expense of the Bidder. 27b. All purchases are subject to the Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax unless the purchaser possesses a Massachusetts sales tax exemption number. Exemption numbers from other states are accepted in Massachusetts if presented with a business card or letterhead. Dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties can apply for a Massachusetts exemption number prior to the auction by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation at 100 Cambridge Street in Boston. 28. Payment is due upon closing of the Auction session, or upon presentment of an invoice. Auctioneer reserves the right to void an invoice if payment in full is not received within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date. In cases of nonpayment, Auctioneer’s election to void a sale does not relieve the Bidder from their obligation to pay Auctioneer its fees (seller’s and buyer’s premium) on the lot and any other damages pertaining to the lot. 29. All sales are strictly for cash in United States dollars (including U.S. currency, bank wire, cashier checks, eChecks, and bank money orders, and are subject to all reporting requirements). All deliveries are subject to good funds; funds being received in RR Auction’s account before delivery of the Purchases; and all payments are subject to a clearing period. RR Auction reserves the right to determine if a check constitutes “good funds”: checks drawn on a U.S. bank are subject to a ten (10) business day hold, and ten (10) days when drawn on an international bank. Clients with pre-arranged credit status may receive immediate credit for payments via Check, personal or corporate checks. All others will be subject to a hold of five (5) days, or more, for the funds to clear prior to releasing merchandise. 30. In the event that a Bidder’s payment is dishonored upon presentment(s), Bidder shall pay the maximum statutory processing fee set by applicable state law. If Bidder attempts to pay via Check and the financial institution denies the transfer from Bidder’s bank account, or the payment cannot be completed using the selected funding source, Bidder agrees to complete payment. 31. If any Auction invoice submitted by Auctioneer is not paid in full when due, the unpaid balance will bear interest at the highest rate permitted by law from the date of invoice until paid. Any invoice not paid when due will bear a one and one-half per cent (1.5%) late fee on the invoice amount. If the Auctioneer refers any invoice to an attorney for collection, the buyer agrees to pay attorney’s fees, court costs, and other collection costs incurred by Auctioneer. If Auctioneer assigns collection to its house counsel, such attorney’s time expended on the matter shall be compensated at a rate comparable to the hourly rate of independent attorneys. 32. If any applicable conditions herein are not complied with the Bidder will be in default and in addition to any and all other remedies
available to RR Auction and the Consignor by law, including, without limitation, the right to hold the Bidder liable for the total purchase price, including all fees, charges and expenses more fully set forth herein, RR Auction, may (a) cancel the sale of that, or any other lots sold to the defaulting Bidder at the same or any other auction, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the Bidder, or (b) resell the purchased property, whether at public auction or by private sale, or (c) effect any combination thereof. In any case, the Bidder will be liable for any deficiency, any and all costs, handling charges, late charges, expenses of both sales, RR Auction’s commissions on both sales at our regular rates, legal fees and expenses, collection fees and incidental damages. RR Auction may apply any proceeds of sale then due or thereafter becoming due to the Bidder from RR Auction or any affiliated company, or any payment made by the Bidder to RR Auction or any affiliated company, where or not intended to reduce the Bidder’s obligations with respect to the unpaid lot or lots, to the deficiency and any other amounts due to RR Auction or any affiliated companies. In addition, a defaulting Bidder will be deemed to have granted and assigned to RR Auction a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of RR Auction’s owing to such Bidder in RR Auction’s possession, and RR Auction may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to RR Auction. Payment will not be deemed to have been made in full until RR Auction has collected good funds. In the event the Bidder fails to pay any or all of the total purchase price for any lot and RR Auction elects to pay the Consignor any portion of the sale proceeds, the Bidder acknowledges that RR Auction shall have all of the rights of the Consignor to pursue the Bidder for any amounts paid to the Consignor, whether at law, in equity, or under these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 33. Auctioneer shall have a lien against the merchandise purchased by the buyer to secure payment of the Auction invoice. Auctioneer is further granted a lien and the right to retain possession of any other property of the buyer then held by the Auctioneer or its affiliates to secure payment of any Auction invoice or any other amounts due the Auctioneer or affiliates from the buyer. With respect to these lien rights, Auctioneer shall have all the rights of a secured creditor, including but not limited to the right of sale. In addition, with respect to payment of the Auction invoice(s), the buyer waives any and all rights of offset he might otherwise have against the Auctioneer and the consignor of the merchandise included on the invoice. If a Bidder owes Auctioneer or its affiliates on any account, Auctioneer and its affiliates shall have the right to offset such unpaid account by any credit balance due Bidder, and it may secure by possessory lien any unpaid amount by any of the Bidder’s property in their possession. 34. Title shall not pass to the successful Bidder until all invoices are paid in full. It is the responsibility of the buyer to provide adequate insurance coverage for the items once they have been delivered to a common carrier or third-party shipper. 35. Please send PayPal payments to FinanceDepartment@rrauction. com. All checks, cashiers checks or money orders are payable to R&R Auction Company, LLC. Orders paid by cashier check, money order, wire, Pay Pal or credit card are shipped upon receipt. Delivery; Shipping; and Handling Charges: 36. Bidder is liable for shipping and handling. Auctioneer is unable to combine purchases from other auctions or affiliates into one package for shipping purposes. Lots won will be shipped in a commercially reasonable time after payment in good funds for the merchandise and the shipping fees is received or credit extended, except when third-party shipment occurs. Bidder agrees that Service and Handling charges related to shipping items which are not pre-paid may be charged to the credit card on file with Auctioneer. 37. Successful international Bidders shall provide written shipping instructions, including specified Customs declarations, to the Auctioneer for any lots to be delivered outside of the United States. NOTE: Declaration value shall be the item’(s) hammer price together with its buyer’s premium and Auctioneer shall use the correct harmonized code for the lot. Domestic Buyers on lots designated for third-party shipment must designate the common carrier, accept risk of loss, and prepay shipping costs.
Title: 38. On the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, title to the offered lot will pass to the highest bidder acknowledged by RR Auction but fully subject to Buyer’s compliance with all of the terms of the Conditions of Sale and the Registration Form. Rights Reserved: 39. RR Auction reserves the right to withdraw any lot before or at the time of the auction, and/or to postpone the auction of all or any lots or parts thereof, for any reason. RR Auction shall not be liable to any Bidder in the event of such withdrawal or postponement under any circumstances. RR Auction reserves the right to refuse to accept bids from anyone. Conducting the Auction: 40. RR Auction reserves the right to postpone the auction sale or any session thereof for a reasonable period of time for any reason whatsoever, and no Bidder or prospective Bidder shall have any claim as a result thereof, including consequential damages. 41. RR Auction reserves the right to withdraw any lot at any time, even after the hammer has fallen, until the Bidder has taken physical possession of the lot. No Consignor who has registered to bid at the sale (or at any other time unless otherwise provided in the consignment agreement), or any Bidder or prospective Bidder shall have a right to claim any consequential damages if a lot is withdrawn, even after the sale. 42. The highest qualified Bidder recognized by the Auctioneer shall be the Buyer. In the event of a tie bid, the earliest bid received or recognized wins. In the event of any dispute between any Bidders at an Auction, Auctioneer may at his sole discretion reoffer the lot. Auctioneer’s decision and declaration of the winning Bidder shall be final and binding upon all Bidders. Bids properly offered, whether by floor Bidder or other means of bidding, may on occasion be missed or go unrecognized; in such cases, the Auctioneer may declare the recognized bid accepted as the winning bid, regardless of whether a competing bid may have been higher. Auctioneer reserves the right after the hammer falls to accept bids and reopen bidding for bids placed through the Internet or otherwise. 43. Lots bearing bidding estimates shall open at Auctioneer’s discretion. In the event that no bid meets or exceeds that opening amount, the lot shall pass as unsold. 44. All items are to be purchased per lot as numerically indicated and no lots will be broken unless decided by RR Auction. Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw, prior to the close, any lots from the Auction. 45. Auctioneer reserves the right to rescind the sale in the event of nonpayment, breach of a warranty, disputed ownership, failure to execute the reserve, auctioneer’s clerical error or omission in exercising bids and reserves, or for any other reason and in Auctioneer’s sole discretion. 46. Auctioneer occasionally experiences Internet and/or Server service outages, and Auctioneer periodically schedules system downtime for maintenance and other purposes, during which Bidders cannot participate or place bids. If such outages occur, RR Auction may at our discretion extend bidding for the Auction. Bidders unable to place their Bids through the Internet are directed to contact Client Services at 1-603-732-4280. 47. The Auctioneer has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers. Internet Auction – Extended bidding & the 30 Minute Rule: 48. Any bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm. At that time, the Extended Bidding goes into effect. If you have not bid on a lot before 6 pm, you may not bid on that lot after 6 pm. Only those bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm. If you are the only bidder on a lot at 6 pm, that lot is awarded to you. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only
to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm will remain OPEN to ALL bidders until 7 pm or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot. The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm. If you are the high bidder, raising your maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the auction at any time at its sole discretion. Auctioneer’s Discretion: 49. RR Auction shall determine opening bids and bidding increments. The auctioneer has the right in its absolute discretion to reject any bid in the event of dispute between bidders or if the auctioneer has doubt as to the validity of any bid, to advance the bidding at its absolute discretion and to determine the successful bidder in the event of a dispute between bidders, to continue the bidding or to reoffer and resell the lot in question. In the event of a dispute after the sale, RR Auction’s record of final sale shall be conclusive. The auctioneer also may reject any bid and withdraw the lot from sale if the auctioneer decides either that any opening bid is below the reserve of the lot or article or that an advance is insufficient. Unless otherwise announced by the auctioneer at the time of sale, no lots may be divided for the purpose of sale. Reserves: 50. Lots may be subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold. Consignors may not bid on their own lots or property. Off-Site Bidding: 51. Bidding by telephone, facsimile-transmission (fax-in), on-line, or absentee bidding (advance written bids submitted by mail) are offered solely as a convenience and permitted subject to advance arrangements, availability, and RR Auction’s approval which shall be exercised at RR Auction’s sole discretion. Neither RR Auction nor its agents or employees shall be held liable for the failure to execute bids or for errors relating to any transmission or execution thereof. In order to be considered for off-site bidding in any manner, Bidders must comply with all of these Conditions of Sale and the terms contained on the Registration Form. RR Auction’ Remedies: 52. Failure of the Bidder/Buyer to comply with any of these Conditions of Sale or the terms of the Registration Form is an event of default. In such event, RR Auction may, in addition to any other available remedies specifically including the right to hold the defaulting Bidder/Buyer liable for the Purchase Price or to charge and collect from the defaulting Bidder/Buyer’s credit or debit accounts as provided for elsewhere herein: (a) cancel the sale, retaining any payment made by the Buyer as damages (the Bidder/Buyer understands and acknowledges that RR Auction will be substantially damaged should such default occur, and that damages under sub-part (a) are necessary to compensate RR Auction for such damages; (b) resell the property without reserve at public auction or privately; (c) charge the Bidder/Buyer interest on the Purchase Price at the rate of one and one-half per cent (1.5%) per month or the highest allowable interest rate; (d) take any other action that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate to preserve and protect RR Auction’ rights and remedies. Should RR Auction resell the property, the original defaulting buyer shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs and expenses associated there with, including but not limited to warehousing, sales-related expenses, reasonable attorney fees and court costs, commissions, incidental damages and any other charges due hereunder which were not collected or collectable. In the event that such buyer is the successful bidder on more than one lot and pays less than the purchase price for the total lots purchased, RR Auction shall apply the payment received to such lot or lots that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. If RR Auction does not exercise such discretion, the lots to which the payment shall be applied will be in descending order from the highest purchase price to the lowest. Any buyer failing to comply with these Conditions of Sale shall be deemed to have granted RR Auction a security interest in, and RR Auction may
retain as collateral such security for such buyer’s obligations to RR Auction, any property in RR Auction’ possession owned by such buyer. RR Auction shall have the benefit of all rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) as adopted by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Warranties: 53. RR Auction does not provide any warranties to Bidders or Buyers, whether expressed or implied, beyond those expressly provided for in these Conditions of Sale. All property and lots are sold “as is” and “where is”. By way of illustration rather than limitation, neither RR Auction nor the consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to merchant ability or fitness for intended use, condition of the property (including any condition report), correctness of description, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, importance, exhibition, relevance, attribution, source, provenance, date, authorship, condition, culture, genuineness, value, or period of the property. Additionally, neither RR Auction nor the consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to whether the Buyer acquires rights in copyright or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title. 54. All descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and terminology including but not limited to words describing condition (including any condition reports requested by Bidder, see also Generally Terminology), authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance, exhibition, and relevance, used in the catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or anywhere else, represent a good faith effort made by RR Auction to fairly represent the lots and property offered for sale as to origin, date, condition, and other information contained therein; they are statements of opinion only. They are not representations or warranties and Bidder agrees and acknowledges that he or she shall not rely on them in determining whether or not to bid or for what price. Price estimates (which are determined well in advance of the auction and are therefore subject to revision) and condition reports are provided solely as a convenience to Bidders and are not intended nor shall they be relied on by Bidders as statements, representations or warranties of actual value or predictions of final bid prices. 55. Bidders are accorded the opportunity to inspect the lots and to otherwise satisfy themselves as to the nature and sufficiency of each lot prior to bidding, and RR Auction urges Bidders to avail themselves accordingly. 56. FIREARMS. Auctioneer complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm. Important Notice: Many identical versions of props and costumes are created for film and television productions in the normal course of a production. RR Auction does not warrant or represent that the screen shots referenced are exact images of the offered item (unless specifically noted in the written description). Use of a screen shot does not constitute a warranty or representation of authenticity or provenance. There is not a right of return or refund based upon a claim arising out of or pertaining to any reference to a screen shot. 57. Lots and property are not returnable to RR Auction for any reason except under Buyer’s limited Remedies set forth in Sections 58 and 59 below and under the express terms and conditions of Section 58. Limitation of Damages: 58. In the event that RR Auction is prevented for any reason from delivering any property to Buyer or Buyer is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of RR Auction, the liability, if any, of RR Auction, shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the amount actually paid for the property by Buyer. In no event shall RR Auction be liable for incidental, special, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits, value of investment or opportunity cost.
Unauthorized Statements: 59. Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Terms and Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on the Registration Form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied on by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction. Buyer’s Remedies: 60. Under no circumstance will RR Auction incur liability to a Bidder in excess of the purchase price actually paid. The terms and conditions of sale herein described shall be enforced in accordance with, and governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 61. This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Buyer in conformity with Sections 51-55 (“Warranties”) and 56 (“Limitation of Damages”) herein, and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Buyer by law. The Buyer hereby accepts the benefit of the consignor’s warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the consignor for the Buyer’s benefit. In the event that Buyer proves in writing to RR Auction satisfaction that there was a breach of the consignor’s warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Buyer, RR Auction shall make demand upon the consignor to pay to Buyer the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Buyer within thirty days after such demand, RR Auction shall disclose the identity of the consignor to Buyer and assign to Buyer all of RR Auction’ rights against the consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and assignment, all responsibility and liability, if any, of RR Auction with respect to said lot or property shall automatically terminate. RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction - this remedy is as to the consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Buyer only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances. 62. All Lots sold by RR Auction are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. On any lot presented with a Certificate of Authenticity (“COA”) issued by RR Auction, that warranty insures only to the original Bidder (as shown in Auctioneer’s records) “Bidder”. Bidder may not transfer the rights afforded under the COA and it is null and void when Bidder transfers or attempts to transfer the lot. The COA warranty is valid from date of the auction in which Bidder was awarded the lot to five (5) years after its purchase. The COA warranty is valid as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot’s usage. The Bidder as well as their heirs, successors and assigns is also given an unconditional lifetime guaranteed that allows the present owner of any lot purchased through RR Auction the right to consign with RR Auction. When the lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (or its equivalent) from a third-party authentication provider, buyer has no right of return. On lots not accompanied by third-party authentication or under extremely limited circumstances not including authenticity (e.g. gross cataloging error), a Bidder who did not bid from the floor may request Auctioneer to evaluate voiding a sale; such request must be made in writing detailing the alleged gross error, and submission of the lot to Auctioneer must be pre-approved by Auctioneer. A Bidder must notify the appropriate department head in writing of the Bidder’s request within three (3) days of the non-floor bidder’s receipt of the lot. Any lot that is to be evaluated for return must be received at the office of RR Auction within 35 days after Auction. AFTER THAT 35 DAY PERIOD, NO LOT MAY BE RETURNED FOR ANY REASONS. Lots returned must be in the same condition as when sold and must include
any Certificate of Authenticity. If a bidder wishes to challenge the Letter of Authenticity within the five (5) year warranty period, Bidder must present with the claim, authoritative written evidence that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field. If Auctioneer concurs that the lot is not as represented, Bidder shall be refunded their purchase price. If the Auctioneer denies the claim, the Bidder may file the dispute with the American Arbitration Association with locale in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County, before a single selected Arbitrator selected by the American Arbitration Association. The American Arbitration Association arbitration shall be conducted under the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act and the Bidder consents to jurisdiction in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The challenge to Authenticity must be brought within one (1) year if the Auctioneer denies the claim. After one (1) year, the Bidder hereby releases and discharges RR Auction from any and all legal, equitable, administrative and/or other claims, counterclaims, demands, setoffs, defenses, accounts, suits, debts, dues, actions, causes of action, proceedings, arbitrations, damages, executions, judgments, findings, controversies and disputes, whether known or unknown or suspected or unsuspected, whether in law or equity, that the Bidder have or may have had against RR Auction arising from or relating to any claim whatsoever. Specifically, the COA provided by RR Auction, does not provide for incidental or consequential damages or other indirect damages. Any lot sold with a certificate of authenticity or other warranty from an entity other than Auctioneer is subject to such issuing entity’s rules and such conditions are the sole remedy afforded to Bidder. For information as to third party authentication warranties the bidder is directed to contact RR Auction. RR Auction’ Additional Services: 63. For Buyers who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’ premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Buyers, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Buyer. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, RR Auction will include an administration charge. Headings: 64. Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer. Entire Agreement: 65. These Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties. 66. If any section of these Terms and Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections or terms and provisions of a section shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way. 67. These Terms and Conditions of Sale and the auction shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, whether or not the auction is and these Terms and Conditions of Sale are fully performed in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County.
AUCTION GENERAL GUIDELINES Conditions of Sale: Before you bid, you must read the Terms and Conditions of Sale, immediately preceding these pages. They represent a contract between RR Auction and you, and they contain important terms and conditions such as jurisdiction, payment terms, warranties and remedies. The
Conditions of Sale are controlling over these general guidelines in the event of any conflicts between their respective terms. Estimate Prices: In addition to descriptive information, each item in the catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction. In other instances, estimate prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimates are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or sales tax (see under separate heading). Reserves: The reserve is the minimum price the seller is willing to accept and below which a lot will not be sold. Owned or Guaranteed Property: RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction. Buyer’s Premium and Sales Tax: The actual purchase price will be the sum of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium of 20% of the hammer price plus applicable shipping, convenience and handling charges. In addition, there will be an additional 2.5% buyer’s Premium for Bidders who chose to pay via credit card or Paypal for invoices of $5,000 or less. Before the Auction: You may attend pre-sale viewing for all of our auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. You are encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. You may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction’s staff are available at viewings and by appointment. Contact Information: 5 Rt 101A, Suite 5 • Amherst, NH 03031 Local/International: 1-603-732-4280 Local/Int’l fax: 1-603-732-4288 Website: www.RRAuction.com Email bidding: Bid@RRAuction.com Hours of Operation: Office hours are Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. -5 p.m. eastern standard time; hours on the last night of the auction are dictated by the 30 Minute Rule (see below). Any item in the auction can be viewed in our offices during normal business hours. Please call to set up an appointment. You must acknowledge having read your agreement with all of the Terms and Conditions of Sale prior to your registration and prior to your bidding on any lot. Bidding Live Auction: Property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor at or above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve. Maximum Bids – Internet Auction Only: To maximize your chance of winning, we strongly encourage the use of maximum bids. For example, assume an item you want currently has a high bid of $100. Your bid would then be $110 (10% over $100), and you could tell us, “I’d like a maximum bid of $242 for that item.” We will enter your bid at $110, and we will then bid for you until the lot reaches your maximum of $242. If competitive bids only reach $148, you would win the item at $163—10% over the highest previous bid. To prevent tie bids, all maximum bids should be made in proper increments. Maxi-
mum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under bidder’s bid. Bid Increments: Bids on an item must raise the current high bid by at least 10% or at the discretion of the auctioneer. Checking Bids – Internet Auction Only: You can open, monitor, and/or raise bids as often as you wish. However, all bidding is governed by the 30 Minute Rule and extended bidding. Extended bidding always goes into effect at 6 pm on the last day of the auction. At 7 pm, the extended bidding ends and the 30 Minute Rule goes into effect. Callbacks – Internet Auction Only: RRAuction offers a callback service on auction night for any bidder who has the high bid on an item whose current bid is over $1,000 and who has placed a maximum bid. At your request, we will call you if your maximum bid is topped. We will need your correct telephone number(s) where you can be reached until the auction closes. Callbacks begin after 6 pm on auction night. You must request this service; it is not automatic. We make every effort to ensure that bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, we do not guarantee this service. Bidding - Internet Auction: To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. If you have questions about this feature, please call RR Auction well in advance of the auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not and cannot be responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. Bidding - Internet – Live Auction: During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through the following services: www.RRAuction.com, www.liveauctioneers. com, www.artfact.com and www.icollector.com. On some occasions beyond the control of RR Auction, the bid software or the Internet itself may not physically keep up with the pace of the auction. In order to help avoid disappointment, RR Auction recommends placing a realistic absentee bid now. Since Artfact and iCollector (hereinfafter referred to as “Third Party sites”) bids are not shown to RR Auction until RR Auction opens the lot on the floor, RR Auction treats those bids the same as floor or telephone bids. In most cases, however, the floor and/or telephone responds before the Third Party sites bid is presented, due to Live Internet bid software or Internet lag time, so for consistency it is RR Auction’ policy that floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over Third Party sites bids with floor bids being considered before telephone bids. Also please note that all RR Auction lots purchased through the Third Party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium. RR Auction strongly urges the bidder to resolve any questions about these policies or their implementation PRIOR TO BIDDING. Successful Bids: The fall of the auctioneer’s hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the buyer. If your salesroom or absentee bid is successful, you will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice. Unsold Lots: If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the consignor. The Auctioneer has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers. After the Auction - Payment: You are expected to pay for your purchases in full within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date. (See Generally “Payment” §27 through 35 of the Term and Conditions of Sale).
Shipping: After payment has been made in full, RR Auction may, as a service to buyers, arrange to have property packed, insured and shipped at your request and expense. For shipping information, please contact RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. In circumstances in which RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, we will also include an administration charge. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. (See Generally “Delivery; Shipping; and Handling Charges” §36 and 37 of the Term and Conditions of Sale). At our discretion, some orders of high value may be sent via overnight or two-day service. Insurance is added to each invoice, with a minimum of $2 for the first $200 of value and 55¢ per $100 of value over $200. Oversized orders will have additional postage added to their invoices. Within the United States, rates for shipping and handling only are: $0–$100..........................................$10 $101–$500.......................................$15 $501–$1,000....................................$20 $1,001–$3,000.................................$35 $3,001–$10,000...............................$45 Over $10,000.................................$100 Additional Cataloging, Warranties and Disclaimers: NO WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY DESCRIPTION CONTAINED IN THIS AUCTION OR ANY SECOND OPINE. Any description of the items or second opinion contained in this Auction is for the sole purpose of identifying the items for those Bidders who do not have the opportunity to view the lots prior to bidding, and no description of items has been made part of the basis of the bargain or has created any express warranty that the goods would conform to any description made by Auctioneer. Color variations can be expected in any electronic or printed imaging, and are not grounds for the return of any lot. Auctioneer is selling only such right or title to the items being sold as Auctioneer may have by virtue of consignment agreements on the date of auction and disclaims any warranty of title to the Property. Auctioneer disclaims any warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purposes. All images, descriptions, sales data, and archival records are the exclusive property of Auctioneer, and may be used by Auctioneer for advertising, promotion, archival records, and any other uses deemed appropriate. Release: In consideration of participation in the Auction and the placing of a bid, Bidder expressly releases Auctioneer, its officers, directors and employees, its affiliates, and its outside experts that provide second opinion, from any and all claims, cause of action, chose of action, whether at law or equity or any arbitration or mediation rights existing under the rules of any professional society or affiliation based upon the assigned description, or a derivative theory, breach of warranty express or implied, representation or other matter set forth within these Terms and Conditions of Auction or otherwise. In the event of a claim, Bidder agrees that such rights and privileges conferred therein are strictly construed as specifically declared herein; e.g., authenticity, gross cataloging error, etc. and is the exclusive remedy. Bidder, by non-compliance to these express terms of a granted remedy, shall waive any claim against Auctioneer. Some Property sold by Auctioneer are inherently dangerous e.g. firearms, and items that may be swallowed or ingested or may have latent defects all of which may cause harm to a person. Bidder accepts all risk of loss or damage from its purchase of these items and Auctioneer disclaims any liability whether under contract or tort for damages and losses, direct or inconsequential, and expressly disclaims any warranty as to safety or usage of any lot sold. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Provision: Bidder and RR Auction agree that any agreements between the Bidder and RR Auction including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County, which is where the agreements are to be performed and the auction to take place, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means
or where Bidder was informed of the auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location. Both RR Auction and the Bidder agree that any disputes under these Conditions of Sale, the subject matter hereof, the entering into, or any aspect of the auction, shall be exclusively governed by Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law, and that any and all claims or actions shall be brought and maintained only in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. The Bidder hereby consents that any dispute shall be presented in confidential binding arbitration before a single selected Arbitrator selected by the American Arbitration Association. The Bidder and RR Auction herby agree that the dispute shall go to binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. The American Arbitration Association arbitration shall be conducted under the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act and the Bidder consents to jurisdiction in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any dispute, claim, cause of action must be brought within one (1) year of the alleged breach, default or misrepresentation or the claim is waived. After one (1) year, the Bidder hereby releases and discharges RR Auction from any and all legal, equitable, administrative and/or other claims, counterclaims, demands, setoffs, defenses, accounts, suits, debts, dues, actions, causes of action, proceedings, arbitrations, damages, executions, judgments, findings, controversies and disputes, whether known or unknown or suspected or unsuspected, whether in law or equity, that the Bidder have or may have had against RR Auction arising from or relating to any claim whatsoever. Both Bidder and RR Auction agree that these provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute specifically including third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder, and that absent such agreement, RR Auction would not permit Bidder to bid hereunder. Any violation of the terms of this Paragraph shall entitle RR Auction to reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs in addition to all other available remedies, all of which remain reserved. The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the parties’ agreement, and the parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction. An award granted in arbitration is enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator’s award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. This agreement and any claims shall be determined and construed under Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law. Miscellaneous: Agreements between Bidders and consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize the Auctioneer’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, Auctioneer reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement. Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with “do-not-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available. Rules of Construction: Auctioneer presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Terms and Conditions of Auction by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety.
TERMINOLOGY
Condition: Each item in the catalog is described with a statement of opinion indicating its overall condition. The condition of the items we offer generally falls into the following range: good—very good—fine—very fine. Treated as a scale of 1 to 4, good describes an item that has as many as several flaws, which are described in detail; very fine describes an item whose condition and appearance may be regarded as flawless and superior in every respect. Most of the items we offer are in fine condition, meaning that there are no serious flaws. While we make every effort to describe flaws that materially affect appearance and value, we generally do not specify minor or routine flaws, such as (but not limited to) pencil or secretarial notations, mailing folds to letters, normal aging to paper, or tiny bends or creases from normal handling. We encourage prospective bidders to examine the image(s) of each item closely and to contact us with specific inquiries regarding condition. Group Lots: In descriptions of group lots of two or more items, every effort is made to mention any obvious flaws. Bidders should note that condition for group lots is given as a general statement or range, and that specific flaws to single items within the group may be omitted in the interest of catalog space. Questions about group lots, or specific items within a group lot, should be addressed before the close of the auction to Stacey Jordan (Stacey.Jordan@RRAuction.com). Matted and Framed: Many of the items offered for sale in our monthly auctions are described as matted and/or framed. We do not remove items from frames; the given dimensions of items housed in a frame and/or mat indicate sight size only. Photographs and other ephemera used with matted and framed items are not subject to description and condition statements, nor are they considered a reason for return. Condition refers only to the item and not the mat or frame. Our terms of return apply only to the item and not the matting and framing. Any item that is removed from the frame cannot be returned. Returns are only accepted when there is an authenticity question or the description of the item is incorrect. Abbreviations and Terms: ALS - Autograph Letter Signed (a letter entirely handwritten and signed by the given personality) ANS - Autograph Note Signed (a shorter ALS) AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed DS - Document Signed Endorsement - A signature on the reverse of a check, or a signature on a document indicationg approval or further instructions Ephemera - An unsigned item FDC - First Day Cover Inscribed - “Personalized” ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph LS - Letter Signed (a letter in a secretary’s hand, but signed by the given personality) Souvenir Typescript - An excerpt from a speech, book, film, etc. or an account of an incident, typed by a collector and signed by the individual noted SP - Signed Photograph Sweet spot - The area on the baseball where the stitched lines are closest together. TLS - Typed Letter Signed Book Grading: Fine (F) - unused, no damage Near Fine (NF) - one or two very minor flaws Very Good (VG) - some signs of wear, but overall sound Good (G) - well-worn but complete Poor (P) - heavily worn, sufficient as a “Reading Copy” All defects will be noted. For complete book grading guide, please check online.
5 Route 101A, Suite 5 • Amherst, NH 03031 Telephone: (603) 732-4280 Fax: (603) 732-4288
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
www.RRAuction.com
If you will be attending our sale for the first time and would like to expedite the registration process, you may fill out this form and forward it to our office prior to the sale and we will place your information on file. If you hold a Federal Firearms License or a Curios & Relics License, please include an original signed copy with this form. If you choose to fax your Registration Form, please bring a copy with you to the sale. Name _________________________________________________
Email ___________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ Telephone _____________________________________
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