Personal check, 8.5 x 3.25, filled out in another hand and signed by Kennedy, "John Kennedy," payable to World Affairs Bookshop for $10, January 11, 1960. In fine condition. The invoice from Washington's World Affairs Bookshop is unsigned and addressed to Kennedy's Senate office, 8 x 5, December 28, 1959, headed: "Replacement copies supplied to Loan Division, Library of Congress." It lists two books, "Major Campaign Speeches of Adlai Stevenson" and "Morison: The American Style," at five dollars apiece.
In 1956, with his eye on the White House, Senator John F. Kennedy was greatly disappointed when, instead of selecting him as his vice-presidential running mate, Adlai Stevenson left the nomination in the hands of the Democratic National Convention; Kennedy came in second, losing to Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver. Four years later, Kennedy again found himself at odds with Stevenson, who informally challenged his nomination for the presidency in hopes of running again himself. Studying up on the speeches of his opponent—and failing to return his books to the Library of Congress—Kennedy easily secured the Democratic nomination. Checks from the soon-to-be president are exceedingly rare, and with its excellent political association at a crucial time in his career—just nine days after announcing his own candidacy—this is a highly desirable piece.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$150.00
*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.
