Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #36
John F. Kennedy Signed Book - Profiles in Courage

Profiles in Courage signed in person by JFK while campaigning in Pennsylvania

Estimate: $1000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins November 13 at 7:00 PM EST. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By November 13 at 6:00 PM EST To Participate After 6:00 PM EST

Server Time: 10/25/2024 02:34:28 PM EDT
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid

Description

Profiles in Courage signed in person by JFK while campaigning in Pennsylvania

Signed book: Profiles in Courage. Later printing. NY: Pocket Books, Inc. Cardinal Edition, 1960. Paperback, 4.25 x 6.25, 233 pages. Signed inside the front cover in blue ballpoint by John F. Kennedy. In very good to fine condition, with heavy wear from reading affecting the covers and spine, very light dampstaining to the textblock, and light creasing touching the otherwise clean, bold signature.

Accompanied by a provenance note from the original recipient, in part: "I went to see Kennedy at a campaign stop on the square in front of the theatre in Market Square in Harrisburg. We were on the rope line and either Gram or Mom, I forget which, it was so long ago, put this in front of JFK. He signed 'John' and was whisked away before completing." Interestingly, the recipient naively believed that the autograph was signed "John" because JFK was in such a rush, but it is indeed a complete—albeit rushed—exemplar, characteristic of Kennedy's hurried in-person autographs.

The York Daily Record reported on Kennedy's visit to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on September 15, 1960, presumed to be the date of signing: 'Following the late arrival at the airport Thursday evening, Kennedy could only spare five-minutes to talk to the 7,000 that had gathered at Market Square in Harrisburg. He was late for a fundraiser at the Zembo Mosque, where 9,000 had paid $100-a-plate to attend.' The visit came as part of a whirlwind 24-hour tour of central Pennsylvania, which had stops in five counties: Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks, Lancaster, and York. Kennedy's campaign tactics proved effective: he won Pennsylvania by a 2.3% margin in the 1960 presidential election, securing 32 electoral votes en route to victory.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring John F. Kennedy
  • Dates: October 25, 2024 - November 13, 2024





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $200.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.