How to Sell Your John F Kennedy Autograph

To auction, sell or consign your John F Kennedy autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

Signed PT-109 Document — Sold for $14,670

Historically significant John F Kennedy autograph World War II document regarding torpedo boat training, after his command of PT-109, the torpedo boat that was hit by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. Dated 1 March 1944, Lieutenant Kennedy signs a military “Report of Compliance With Orders” at the “Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center” after the famed PT-109 affair that distinguished Kennedy as a war hero and set the stage for his future political career. Beautifully signed in bold black ink, “John F. Kennedy.” Framed and matted with a photograph of JFK in uniform and a plaque. Very early John F Kennedy autograph.  Measures 22″ x 20″ overall. Fine condition.  Sold for $14,670.

Signed Presidential Pardon From Nov 1963 — Sold for $12,500

Very rare presidential pardon signed by John F. Kennedy as President and Robert Kennedy as Attorney General, dated 14 November 1963, only eight days before Kennedy’s assassination. Kennedy signed pardons are notoriously scarce, as most pardons are issued at the end of a President’s term. In fact, we can record only six others that have come to auction in the last 50 years, not all signed by both JFK and RFK as this is. Of those six, this is also the last one Kennedy signed, one of the last official documents he signed as President.

Pardon is boldly signed by both men next to the gold foil Department of Justice seal. Document pardons Ted E. Barto of Minneapolis for violating U.S. Code Title 18, Section 287 dealing with ”false, fictitious or fraudulent claims”. Barto was convicted of submitting false claims to the Veterans Administration regarding flights charged to the U.S. government for GI flying lessons. A pilot at the school that overcharged for these flights, Barto applied for a pardon as he was unaware of the fraud committed by the owners of the school, and received a full and unconditional pardon. Consigned by the family of Ted Barto, document has never been at auction before.

Two page document measures 9” x 13.375” on a single sheet. Single horizontal fold as issued, else near fine. Accompanied by Department of Justice letter and envelope, both addressed to Barto. With University Archives COA. Sold for $12,500.

Handwritten Speech From 1957 — Sold for $10,408

On 30 April 1957, a special five-man Senate committee headed by 38 year-old freshmen Senator John Kennedy chose five “outstanding” senators of the past after almost two years of study. The committee names John Calhoun, Henry Clay, Robert LaFollette, Robert Taft and Daniel Webster. Pictures of these exceptional senators would eventually be placed in a Senate reception area. On March 12, 1959, the unveiling of the portraits took place. This lot contains a colossal amount of handwritten notations on 29 pages from Kennedy for the speech or for notes regarding the five outstanding senators. At the 1959 unveiling ceremony, Kennedy reminded his audience that these long-dead senators were controversial figures in their day. Their own colleagues might not have been as quick as later generations to induct them into a senatorial hall of fame. Kennedy reported that one contemporary said of Henry Clay, “He is a bad man, an imposter, a creator of wicked schemes.” Who made those remarks? None other than Clay’s fellow honoree, John C. Calhoun. Enjoying the audience’s appreciative laughter, Kennedy continued, “On the other hand, who was it who said that Calhoun was a rigid fanatic, ambitious, selfishly partisan and a sectional …turncoat,’ with …too much genius and too little common sense,’ who would either die a traitor or a madman? Henry Clay, of course.” Kennedy then concluded his joking references to the Great Triumvirate with the help of a quote by John Quincy Adams, who viewed with alarm “the gigantic intellect, the envious temper, the ravenous ambition, and the rotten heart of Daniel Webster.” When Senator Kennedy announced his committee’s selections, he expressed frustration over the exclusion from the list of his three personal favorites. If the decision had been entirely up to him, he told his audience, the Senate Reception Room would include Webster, Taft, and Norris, along with Oliver Ellsworth of Connecticut and Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri. As an outlet for the frustration of passing over these and other strong candidates, the committee included in its final report the names of fifteen other senators. “Perhaps some future committee of the Senate, meeting at some future date, will find occasion to honor additional names.” These 29 pages have thousands of words in Kennedy’s hand, mostly illegible to the common eye, but worthy of further deciphering from a Kennedy handwriting expert. Also included are two original Government printed booklets regarding detailing of the unveiling, and a typed letter from another Senator to Kennedy dated just days before the unveiling about the Proceedings booklet mentioned above. Sold for $10,408.

John F. Kennedy & Jackie Kennedy Signed Photo — Sold for $10,000

Evocative photograph signed by John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy as they campaigned for the Presidency in 1960. Silver gelatin photograph is also signed at lower right by Alfred Eisenstaedt, who took the photo and writes about it on the verso, “This…shows John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy on a campaign trip to New York City in September 1960, after he was chosen by the Democratic Convention to be their standard bearer. Please put it in your collection, I think it is very valuable. Eisenstaedt”. Jacqueline Kennedy inscribes the front of the photo to “Eisie”, the nickname used by Eisenstaedt’s friends and family, “with gratitude” after which the future President and First Lady sign their names, “John Kennedy” and “Jacqueline Kennedy”. With Eisenstaedt’s stamp on verso, “PHOTO BY ALFRED EISENSTAEDT” as well as a stamp by Life magazine. Photo measures 9″ x 13.25″. Small crease to lower right, overall in very good to near fine condition. From Alfred Eisenstaedt’s estate and with University Archives COA for both signatures. Sold for $10,000.

Autograph Letter Signed to Edward R. Murrow — Sold for $6,463

Autograph letter signed on “Senator John F. Kennedy” letterhead. JFK writes to “Eddie”, Edward R. Murrow, the famed broadcaster, “Many thanks for your very kind statement on ‘Starring the Editors’ this evening. I appreciated it very much. I think the program is an excellent one – and it seems to be holding up an increasingly large audience. With best wishes / Cordially / John Kennedy / December 1st.” One page, written on both sides in bold blue felt-tipped pen; three fold creases, otherwise spotless. 8″ x 10.5″. Sold for $6,463.

Signed & Inscribed ”Profiles in Courage” — Sold for $5,500

John F. Kennedy signed copy of ”Profiles in Courage”, inscribed to famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, who photographed Kennedy on many occasions during the 1960 Presidential campaign and as President. JFK signs the front free endpaper, ”To Alfred Eisenstaedt / with every good wish / John Kennedy”. New York: Harper & Bros., 1956. Measures 6” x 8.5”. Housed in original unclipped dust jacket, showing price of $3.50. In very good condition with chipping to top edge of jacket. Light wear to book, otherwise near fine. From Alfred Eisenstaedt’s estate and with University Archives COA. Sold for $5,500.

Letter Signed as President, Regarding Civil Rights — Sold for $5,000

John F. Kennedy typed letter signed ”John Kennedy” as President, who here faces a delicate Civil Rights issue early in his Presidency. On White House stationery dated 28 March 1961, JFK writes to New Jersey Congressman Hugh J. Addonizio, who had written the President two weeks earlier when one of his constituents, a black woman, was denied lodging in South Carolina while attending the Civil War Centennial Commission. Kennedy writes, ”Thank you for your letter of March 14th in connection with the Civil War Centennial Commission’s Assembly scheduled for April 11 and 12. I want you to know that I wrote the Chairman of the Centennial Commission on March 14th requesting that the Commission, as an official body of the United States Government, take action assuring that the arrangements for its Assembly meet the standards of nondiscrimination set forth by our Constitution. I agree with you that it is contrary to public policy for agencies and officials of the United States Government to sponsor meetings where the members may be discriminated against in any way by reason of their color or race.” Kennedy finishes the letter by adding a handwritten postscript, ”the matter now seems to be better.” However, according to an article in the 6 May 1961 edition of ”The Richmond Afro-American” entitled ”What It’s All About,” Kennedy’s request was apparently rebuffed: ”…Russia successfully put a man in outer space at the same time that America unsuccessfully tried to get a colored woman in a South Carolina hotel…” the article reads. Instead, a Confederate flag was raised at the South Carolina State House during the event. Single-page letter measures 7.25” x 10.25”. In near fine condition with just a smudge to the end of Kennedy’s note. Transmittal note from the White House Mail Room is stapled to the upper left corner. From the family of Congressman Addonizio’s secretary M.M. Sullivan. With a COA from PSA/DNA. Sold for $5,000.

International Extradition Document Signed as President — Sold for $4,061

Very scarce John F. Kennedy extradition orders signed as President in 1963. International extradition document is signed boldly ”John F Kennedy” in black ink. Fugitive Dave L. Burggraf was accused of robbery in California and apprehended in Italy. Packet includes California extradition papers, an FBI teletype, a copy of the telegram sent to Italian National Police and a Los Angeles Sheriff’s department photo of Burggraf. The form signed by Kennedy is counter-signed by George W. Ball as acting Secretary of State. Complete stapled packet runs 14pp. Signed page bears a large white seal and measures 10.5” x 14.5”. Toning, dampstaining to Ball’s signature and a tear to the right edge, overall very good condition. The only such extradition order we have seen signed by President Kennedy. Accompanied by a PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $4,061.

Signed Photo as U.S. Senator — Sold for $3,691

Very rare photo signed by John F. Kennedy while serving his second term as Senator from Massachusetts. JFK inscribes and signs this engaging photo in black ink: ”To Frank Minarik and the members of the Democratic Committee – Pima County — with every good wish / John Kennedy / 1959”. Pima County, Arizona is where Minarik was active in the Democratic Party and had been a delegate to the 1952 Democratic National Convention. 8” x 10” semi-matte photo has been trimmed slightly on the right side and shows light soiling. A small spot of white-out appears above Kennedy’s head, not very noticeable as it blends in with the background color. Kennedy’s writing is still bold and strong. Overall in very good condition and accompanied by a PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $3,691.

Letter Signed as President from 1963 — Sold for $3,328

John F. Kennedy typed letter signed, dated 7 October 1963, just six weeks before his passing and two months after passage of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, one of the significant achievements of his administration. Writing to Norman Cousins, Editor of ”The Saturday Review”, Kennedy thanks him for his role in educating the public about the treaty. Letter reads in full,

”Dear Norman: / I want to express my personal appreciation for your leadership with the Citizens Committee in its public efforts on behalf of the partial test ban treaty while it was being considered by the Senate. The Committee made a real contribution in developing better understanding of the purpose of the treaty, and your initiative with the group was essential.

We have many tasks ahead in seeking to establish a more peaceful and orderly world, and I look forward to working with you in our common endeavor toward that goal. / Sincerely / [signed] John Kennedy”.

Single page letter measures 6.75” x 8.875”, composed on White House stationery and signed by Kennedy in black felt-tip. Single horizontal fold, overall near fine condition with a bold signature by JFK. With University Archives COA. Sold for $3,328.

Letter Signed as President in 1961 — Sold for $2,750

John F. Kennedy typed letter signed as President with Cold War content regarding nuclear testing by the Soviet Union. Dated 8 November 1961, Kennedy writes to Norman Cousins, Editor of the ”Saturday Review”, explaining U.S. attempts to communicate directly to the Russian people. Two months before this letter was written, on 1 September 1961, the U.S.S.R. had resumed nuclear testing after a two-year moratorium between the two countries. Although Kennedy opposed testing, he ultimately failed in a diplomatic solution (such as what’s proposed in this letter), and the U.S. would follow suit in 1962 before the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963. Letter reads in full:

”Dear Norman: / Thank you for your letter of October 18th. As you already know from Ed Murrow’s letter to you, USIA is trying to tell the Russian people the facts about their atmospheric testing, and the world’s reaction to it. You may be interested in the enclosed announcement of a special project of the Voice of America — amassing of transmitters for special broadcasts to the Soviet Union about the tests. Sincerely, / [signed] John Kennedy”.

Single page letter on White House stationery is signed by Kennedy in black felt-tip. Measures 6.75” x 8.875”. Horizontal fold, light creasing and spot of discoloration above signature. Very good condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $2,750.

To auction, sell or consign your John F Kennedy autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

FAQs

How do I consign or sell my John F. Kennedy autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your John F. Kennedy autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What elements determine the value of a John F. Kennedy autograph?
The value of your autograph can vary based on condition, subject matter of the item and the year item was signed.