Staff Auction Kennedy Memorabilia--Fascinating Items But Should They Have Done It?

* After I posted this, I decided to pose a question: Do you feel it's right or wrong for people like Jackie's former assistant and personal attendant to auction off things like Jackie's nightwear, JFK's private notebooks, letters from Caroline, John and Carolyn to others? Did John and Caroline open the doors, so to speak, with their auction? Do these things belong with Caroline to give to the Library or dispose of as she sees fit? Would love to hear feedback as I felt a bit guilty after posting the descriptions of the items available.

Hantman's Auction House

JOHN F. KENNEDY and JACQUELINE BOUVIER KENNEDY ONASSIS

19th July 2003

Personal, Political, White House Artifacts and Documents

Consigned by Mary Gallagher and Providencia Paredes, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’sPrivate Secretary and Personal Attendant

This is one auction I wish I'd known about beforehand......

I've attached the catalog listing all the items: Some provide fascinating insights into the lives of the Kennedys, such as a letter written to Provi by Carolyn saying John would soon be done with his flight training and "This summer we can all go for a ride in Hyannis! XOXO" I have to note that I find it amazing how much Kennedy memorabilia these two women held onto all these years--everything from Jackie's lipsticks and nightgowns to personal notes and even President Kennedy's official black notebook from the campaign.

LINK TO CATALOG:

http://www.hantmans.com/pages/kennedy/kennedycat.html


Some examples of items auctioned:

42. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s HosieryTwo pairs of “Sparkle” hosiery, size 2, beige with chartreuse trim finish at top, from Lerner Shops, folded in original outer paper wrapping, never worn, Pristine. Property of M.B. Gallagher.$ 200 - 300



45. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s NightgownSheer blue nylon over sheer pink nylon, size 32, pale blue binding around the “U” neck and straps, embroidered crisscross bodice with pink and blue floral design and narrow blue binding detail, labeled “Best & Co., Fifth Avenue, NY”, apx. 51”l, two small holes front and back, hole at side and slit at bottom front, residue on lower skirt back, one shoulder strap torn. Property of M.B. Gallagher$ 300 - 400



46. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s Sleep BonnetWhite nylon, trimmed in white lace and bright pink velveteen band and bow, apx. 10” dia., pink from ribbon rubbed onto lace.Property of M.B. Gallagher.$ 200 - 300



100. John F. Kennedy’s Black Notebook in AutographUsed by John F. Kennedy in his Georgetown home during the 1960 Presidential Campaign, this notebook contains 22 pages of writing including: lists, campaign matters, and speech ideas. One speech fragment begins “We live in an age where the probabilities of protracted conflict... if we are defeated a New Dark age will descend...”.27 p. total, 22 written, 5 blank, 4 1/2” x 7 3/8”, black leatherette, Trussell, 408SP, six-hole ring notebook. Property of M.B. Gallagher.This notebook was used by both John F. Kennedy and Mary Gallagher in the Kennedy’s Georgetown home. Mary Gallagher’s secretarial note sheets have been removed. FURTHER INFORMATION ON REQUEST. $ 15,000 - 25,000



142. John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Note SignedJFK letterhead notepaper inscribed in silver ink: “To Provi (underlined) Merry Christmas + Happy New Year Love John + Carolyn”, hand addressed envelope “Provi” with stars decorating envelope and flap printed: 20-26 N. Moore St. NYC, 6 1/4” x 4 1/4”.Property of P. Paredes.$ 400 - 500



143. John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Note SignedJFK note card inscribed: “Provi (underlined) Seeing you in the summer is such a treat. So here’ a little something to go buy yourself a little treat! Much love, John K.”, 6 1/4” x 4 1/4”.Property of P. Paredes.$ 400 - 500



144. John F. Kennedy’s Autograph Letter SignedOne page blue edged stationery, inscribed: “October 26, 1985. Dear Provi—Thank you so much for Daddy’s library and most of all your kind and thoughtful letter. It’s such a great feeling after dealing with so many unfamiliar faces with the library—to know that it means something to those who he knew and loved, Im [sic] keeping a close watch over Gustavo here Provi so were [sic] doing okay. Take care Love John”, 5 1/2” x 7 3/8”, with autograph addressed envelope, John Kennedy written on back flap. Property of P. Paredes.$ 800 - 1000



145. John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Note Signed“George” embossed card, the top printed: “John Kennedy Co-Founder/Editor in Chief”, inscribed: “Dear Provi, It was such a pleasure to see you this summer. We loved hanging around with you and Gustavo and hope to see you again soon. This is just a token of our gratitude and to even up any expenditures you may have made. Love, John”, with hand-addressed envelope and “George” address on back flap, 7 1/2” x 5”. Property of P. Paredes.$ 750 - 1000



147. Carolyn and John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Autograph Card SignedColor postcard from Florida written by Carolyn Kennedy: “March 18, 1998 Dear Provi + Gustavo, Greetings from lovely Vero Beach Fla.! John is only three or four days away from getting his private pilot’s license. He has been flying solo all this week! This summer in Hyannis we can all go for a ride. Lots of love and kisses. XOXOXO Carolyn + John”, 5” x 4 1/4”.Property of P. Paredes.$ 1500 - 2000



199. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s Lipstick and Personal White House StationeryAn 18K yellow gold plated tube of Elizabeth Arden’s “Arden Pink” lipstick, and four sheets and two envelopes of Jacqueline Kennedy’s best personal pale blue stationery made by Tiffany & Co, with “The White House” embossed in white at top, Crane watermark, 5 1/4” x 7 3/4”, envelope: 5 1/2” x 4”.Property of M.B. Gallagher.$ 200 - 300



205. John F. Kennedy Prayer Card Three prayer cards with original somber three-quarter view of President Kennedy on front bordered in black, with printing on verso, 3 1/4” x 4 1/2”, together with a March 3, 1964 National Geographic magazine, vol. 125, no 1, which reproduced this three-quarter view in their tribute “John F. Kennedy the Last Full Measure”, VG+. Property of M.B. Gallagher.This is the photograph originally approved by Mrs. Kennedy in the rushed preparations for memorial cards and later changed after only a small number were produced. Rare.$ 100 - 200