A wooden rocking chair used by JFK is to cross the block at RR Auction.
The lot was presented to Nellie McGrail - who worked as the Kennedy family cook for many years - on her retirement in 1994.
 The Kennedy family presented the chair to their cook when she retired |
JFK famously suffered with chronic back pain (caused by rupturing a disc in his football days) and rocking chairs provided him with some relief.
He had around 14, which stood in the various homes and offices he frequented. This example is believed to originate from the family's Palm Beach home.
A handful have appeared at auction over the years, with one achieving $87,500 at Heritage Auctions in 2013.
The present lot is valued in excess of $80,000 ahead of the June 23 close date.
A brass plaque on one of the arms reads: "President Kennedy's Chair, For Nellie, With Love And Gratitude For Your Years Of Friendship And Service, From The Entire Kennedy Family."
A 2000 letter from Ted Kennedy provides further provenance: "This letter is to verify that on behalf of the members of my family, I presented one of the rocking chairs used by President Kennedy to Nellie McGrail when she retired in 1994."
The lot also includes a wealth of letters, photographs and other items associated with McGrail and the Kennedy family.
We have this original poster from Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign for sale.
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