Solid cast bronze altar gate custom-made for the Church of Saint Mary in Newport, Rhode Island, and used in the wedding ceremony of John and Jacqueline Kennedy on September 12, 1953. The heavy bronze gate measures 29.5″ x 25.25″ x 5″, and features beautiful filigree ornamentation along the top. The frame is flanked by two thick bronze hinges on one side, and has six mounting holes along the rail. In fine condition.
On September 12, 1953, John and Jacqueline Kennedy exchanged their marriage vows before this very gate in their wedding at St. Mary’s Church. The ceremony was performed by Kennedy family friend Archbishop Richard Cushing before an audience of 800 of their friends and family. Before the mass, a special blessing from Pope Pius XII was read. A beautiful artifact from the blessed union of the Kennedys—a most historic and visually appealing piece.
Provenance: Lot #267A, Documents and Artifacts Relating to the Life and Career of John F. Kennedy, Guernsey’s, March 18-19, 1998; the gate retains the original Guernsey’s auction tag.
