Historic dipping pen attributed to President John F. Kennedy's signing of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (H.R. 6060), originating from the collection of Dave Powers, who served as Special Assistant to the President in the Kennedy administration. The official 'bill signer' Esterbrook pen measures 6.25˝ long and features a black plastic grip with a Lucite handle imprinted with "The President—The White House." Housed in a beautiful mahogany display case with an engraved plaque inside the lid, reading: “President John F. Kennedy, June 10, 1963.” A small piece of tape on the grip is annotated: "Kennedy 1963." In fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from David F. Powers (1912-1998), who was Special Assistant and Assistant Appointments Secretary to John F. Kennedy, and also a long-time museum curator of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. In full: "I certify that the pen labeled 'Kennedy 1963' is one of the pens that President John F. Kennedy used to sign the Equal Pay Act in 1963 (10th of June), H.R. 6060. The pen was part of my personal collection of various presidential collectibles. In 1960, I worked on Kennedy's campaign, and I later worked for Kennedy as Special Assistant. I was gifted this pen and various other items."
John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law on June 10, 1963, as part of his broader push for civil rights and gender equality. The law aimed to abolish wage disparity based on gender, ensuring that women received equal pay for equal work. Kennedy's administration championed the act in response to growing demands from women's rights advocates for fair treatment in the workforce. This legislation marked a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality.
