President John F. Kennedy Posthumous Autograph

Sold: £24,000

This is the only known “posthumous” John F Kennedy-signed Christmas card to have been dispatched from the White House in 1963.

JFK and Jackie signed the card, which features a White House scene, prior to his assassination on November 22, 1963. It was received by the family’s nanny, Miss Shaw.

The inscription, in Jackie Kennedy's hand, reads: "For Miss Shaw - with our deepest appreciation and affection". The piece features Jackie's autograph "Jacqueline Kennedy" dated "Christmas 1963".

John F Kennedy has signed his name beneath Jackie's in blue ink.

The President and his wife are known to have also co-signed 15 Christmas cards featuring a nativity scene and 15 New Year cards, prior to JFK’s death. (See Mary Evans Seeley, 'Seasons Greetings from the White House', pp. 96-7).

Those 30 cards were never sent out, making this sent example unique and hugely important.

The card is a 4½" x 6" colour print reproduction print from a lithograph of “Mill's Colossal Equestrian Statue of General Jackson” in front of the White House.

The print is window-mounted with the presentation inscription on the mount beneath the image.

It is in excellent condition. A totally unique piece of JFK memorabilia.

Background:

John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 at the age of 46.

Kennedy was one of the most popular Presidents in the history of the United States. He led the country through the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the African-American Civil Rights Movement and the early stages of the Vietnam War.

Jackie Kennedy nee Bouvier married John in 1953. As well as her marriage to the President, her style, grace and contributions to the arts and preservation of historical architecture have cemented her iconic status.

This item qualifies for our layaway plan