John F. Kennedy owned wooden humidor, engraved upon the hinged lid, “President Kennedy”. Humidor gifted by the Philippine Ambassador is accompanied by 2 unopened Philippine cigars of the original 26. Cigar labels are imprinted in white, “Flor Fina Coronas Alhambra Manila” on a red and gold label with a black band imprinted “Choicest Philippine Tobacco / Sumatra Wrapper”. Wrappers read in gilt, “Specially Made For President Kennedy”. Accompanied by a vintage 8″ x 10″ color photo of Kennedy smoking a cigar while reading the sports section of “The New York Times” aboard the Presidential yacht “Honey Fitz” in 1963, after receiving this gift. With John F. Kennedy Presidential Library backstamp crediting “Cecil Stoughton/White House” as the photographer. Felt lined humidor measures 10.25″ x 7″ x 2″. Some fabric loss to lining and rubbing to edges, else near fine condition. Cigars measure 5.25″. Near fine. Lot also includes copies of correspondences between Kennedy and Amelito R. Mutuc, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines. The text of one letter, courtesy of the JFK Presidential Library, reads in part: “Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received the handsome, 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”. Also included is a small sheet of Ambassador Mutuc’s stationery addressed in a secretarial hand to: “The President / The White House / Washington, D.C.”, which likely accompanied the box of cigars, plus a copy of a letter from Carlos P. Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, dated 16 April 1961, to President Kennedy: “When the Manila papers recently published a picture of yours holding a cigar, a Philippine newspaper suggested that it may be a good idea to let you sample what we believe are the best cigars in the world. President Garcia has asked me to extend to you his personal greetings and to present you with these boxes of Philippine cigars with his compliments…” Finally, lot includes copy of a letter from President Kennedy to Romulo, dated 14 August 1961: “…Many, many thanks for the fine cigars…”  Sold for $15,813.

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