Jackie Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used large horse blanket made of soft fabric, measuring approximately 66 x 52, given to Bill Elder by Mrs. Kennedy due to their shared love of horses. Also present is an ALS to the blanket’s recipient referencing horses, signed “J,” one page, 5 x 8, White House letterhead, no date. A letter to Bill, in full: “I do wish you’d stop buying cars—apartments—horses—and the like and stay in the office—please.” Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Elder’s niece Eugenia Moore and a matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Jacqueline and Caroline Kennedy riding horses together. In overall fine condition. William Voss Elder III, a retired Baltimore Museum of Art curator, assisted Mrs. Kennedy with his vast knowledge of antiques during her 1960s White House renovation. She became fond of him given their shared love of horses and similar backgrounds, and appreciated that he did not try to impress anyone or develop any airs while working for her in the White House. A unique collection associated with one of Jackie’s favorite activities.
Absentee Bidding Starts Thursday February 12, 2015
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Jacqueline Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn pair of cream-colored low-heeled designer shoes with finely textured linen uppers and leather soles, printed with the brand name in gold script on the insoles, “Delman, New York-Paris.” Manufacturer’s notations are written inside the heel of each shoe, reading: “C18288 / P70980 / 913 / Marquise.” In well-worn condition with expected wear. These shoes originate from the estate of Officer James H. Boyer, Sr., who served on the US Capitol police force beginning in 1949. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from a descendent of Boyer, in part: “While continuing to serve on the Capitol police force, Boyer became a personal driver for the Kennedy family, often being called on at late hours, and was employed by Jackie Kennedy as a handyman at the Kennedy’s Georgetown home. Once, while she was clearing her closet, Jackie offered Boyer some of her worn shoes and handbags to give to his wife. This pair of off-white linen-type fabric shoes…is one of those gifts.” Jackie was quite self-conscious about the size of her feet, with each of these measuring 10″ long. A premier shoemaker, Delman offered a custom-made service and worked with some of the era’s most notable women, with clientele including the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn. With superior provenance, these high-fashion heels represent a fabulous pairing of American cultural history.
Jacqueline Kennedy’s attractive personally-owned and -used golden clutch, measuring 7 x 4.5 x 1, featuring a stylish metallic gold exterior typifying the luxurious celebrity status associated with the first lady and her legacy. The interior is lined in cream-colored vinyl decorated with a pattern of tiny golden dots, and the purse is secured at the top with a fine gold-tone kisslock clasp. Noticeable overall creasing, otherwise fine condition. Originates from the Robert L. White collection and includes a detailed letter of provenance on White House letterhead signed by Evelyn Lincoln, who served as JFK’s only personal secretary for 12 years. In part: “When Jackie was moving out of the White House in December 1963 she was moving to the Harriman home in Georgetown. So she set up a room in that house with several long tables. On these tables she placed their discarded clothing. She also had blankets for smaller items. She then invited friends to come over to this room and choose any item or items which they desired. This gold evening bag, which you now have in your possession, was in one of the baskets of items belonging to Jackie.” Also accompanied by the original auction tag and catalog for the Guernsey’s sale of the Robert L. White collection, held in 2005. Following JFK’s assassination, Undersecretary of State W. Averell Harriman and his wife generously offered to vacate their Washington home for Jackie’s use. With superior provenance from one of the most famous Kennedy collections ever assembled, this lovely clutch purse is the epitome of Jackie Kennedy’s classic style as one of America’s greatest fashion icons of the era.
Rare official White House Hallmark Christmas card from 1963, featuring an image of a nativity scene on the front, measuring 4.5 x 6.5 closed, signed inside in bold ink as president, “John Kennedy,” and as first lady, “Jacqueline Kennedy.” The image on the front is identified as “Creche in East Room, The White House,” and a gilt-embossed presidential seal and engraved holiday greeting appear above the signatures, reading: “With our wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. The Kennedys ordered a few different variations of these cards from Hallmark, some with “Blessed Christmas” omitted, and most with facsimile signatures; in late November, 500 blank versions arrived at the White House while the Kennedys were on a trip to Florida. After returning on the evening of the 18th, both the president and first lady began to sign the cards at their leisure before leaving for their ill-fated trip to Texas on the 20th. Given the tragic events, none of the 1963 Kennedy Christmas cards were ever sent and these dual-signed cards were relatively unknown, even to the Kennedy Library, until the mid-1980s. According to Mary Evans Seeley’s book Season’s Greetings from the White House, fewer than 30 of the dual-signed cards are known to exist, making them the rarest Christmas format ever signed by a president and first lady. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Gorgeous sterling silver cup or pitcher hallmarked sterling in London, 1771, by Charles Wright, measuring 4.25″ tall with a 3″ diameter at the base, engraved later as a gift for her mother Janet Lee Auchincloss, “Mummy and Uncle Hugh, June 21, 1942–1972, All Our Love, Jackie, Caroline, John, Lee, Antony, Tina.” In fine condition. Provenance: Hammersmith Farm, the Victorian mansion of Janet Lee Auchincloss and the childhood home of Jacqueline Bouvier, Newport, Rhode Island. RR Auction COA.
Gorgeous hand-painted porcelain pitcher vase originally owned by Jacqueline Kennedy, 14.5″ tall, with a blue circular pattern with areas of larger red highlights, blue borders to the top and bottom edges, and an ornate oversized handle. No maker’s marks are visible, however, the underside of the vase bears a painted blue “L” as well as a painted red “N.” Included with the vase is a 5″ diameter wooden stand. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from John Russell, who states, “I do know she obtained this item sometime after 1975 and her second husband’s death. She brought it to her New York apartment and it was in her residence at Martha’s Vineyard. She put it on a book shelf for a period but as she added books she took it down and then gave it to one of her domestic helpers. I purchased this beautiful piece while Jackie Kennedy Onassis was still alive and living in New York.” Also accompanied by a second letter from Bob Cochran which states that the vase “was in her possession for several years. She gifted this item to a trusted confidant…furthermore this article was with Jackie during the time she helped with the creation of the JFK Library…The person I received it from is a personal friend of Jackie Kennedy and Pat Lawford.” Also included is a copy of the floor plan of Kennedy’s New York apartment, with a corner in the library circled where the vase stood. In fine condition. A beautiful, personal item embodying Kennedy’s famously tasteful decorating sense. RR Auction COA.
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