We’re thrilled to share the great success of Collecting Camelot: The Kennedy Legacy. The event attracted bidders from around the globe, who sought out a variety of rare and meaningful items, from an autographed first edition of Profiles in Courage to photos from Kennedy’s funeral. Other highlights noted are a signed letter from Robert F. Kennedy and a photograph from JFK’s state funeral, which also drew impressive bids. We’re grateful to all our consignors and bidders for making this auction such a success and look forward to more events like this in the future!
COLLECTING CAMELOT: THE KENNEDY LEGACY Highlight Lots
LOT #1 | John F. Kennedy Autographed First Edition "Profiles in Courage" Inscribed to JFK Friend Dave Powers
Final Selling Price: $12,500 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
A standout from the auction, featured in a previous blogpost, was a first edition of John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage, personally inscribed to his close friend and aide, Dave Powers. The inscription reads: "To my old pal Dave Powers who is noted for his Courage if not his Profile – With best regards, John Kennedy." This rare association copy, likely one of the finest ever to come to market, highlights the bond between Kennedy and Powers, a trusted confidant instrumental in shaping JFK’s public image and preserving his legacy. The book, in excellent condition, is noted as a testament to their enduring friendship and shared history.
LOT #2 | Jacqueline Kennedy "A Biography" Autographed First Edition Signed on October 18th, 1966, Boston, MA
Final Selling Price: $968.75 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
First edition of Jacqueline Kennedy: A Biography, featuring Jacqueline Kennedy's signature in bold black ink on the first free endpaper. A collector's label inside notes the autograph was obtained at Boston’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel on October 18, 1966. The book, showing minimal wear and a clipped dust jacket, is otherwise in outstanding condition, offering a rare and meaningful connection to the beloved First Lady.
LOT #8 | Robert F. Kennedy Autographed 1966 Typed Letter (TLS) on U.S Senate Letterhead
Final Selling Price: $387.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Typed letter dated April 4, 1966, signed by Robert F. Kennedy in bold black felt tip marker. The letter is in fine condition and is accompanied by its original mailing envelope. Kennedy, a pivotal figure in American politics, served as U.S. attorney general and later as a senator from New York. His 1968 presidential campaign was tragically cut short by his assassination, yet his legacy as a leader for justice and equality remains influential.
LOT #10 | Jack Ruby - JFK Assassination Figure Who Shot Lee Harvey Oswald - Autographed 1950 Canceled Check
Final Selling Price: $450.00 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Jack Ruby autographed canceled bank check, dated October 15, 1950, is made out to Buddy Walker for $50. Ruby was the nightclub owner who, in 1963, shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating President Kennedy. Ruby has filled out and signed the check in bold blue ink. In fine condition, it has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA with certification #84538931.
LOT #36 | From the Studio of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fashion Designer Oleg Cassini - Original Fashion Sketch Page
Final Selling Price: $237.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Original fashion sketch by Joseph Boccheir, Design Coordinator for Oleg Cassini Inc., is a rare find for any fashion enthusiast. Measuring 8.5 x 11" on off-white sketch paper, it includes detailed annotations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the design process. Oleg Cassini, famous for creating the "Jackie Look" for Jacqueline Kennedy, revolutionized American fashion with his stylish, elegant designs.
LOT #103 | John F. Kennedy Proclaims Winston Churchill Honorary U.S. Citizen - Original Cecil Stoughton Photo
Final Selling Price: $250.00 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Original 5 x 5-inch glossy photograph by Cecil Stoughton captures a memorable moment from April 9, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy awarded Winston Churchill honorary U.S. citizenship. Churchill, the first person to receive the honor, was recognized for his leadership during World War II and his close relationship with the United States. Though Churchill couldn’t attend due to health reasons, his son and grandson accepted the honor on his behalf. In near-fine condition, this photograph includes Stoughton’s archive markings on the back. As JFK’s official photographer, Stoughton captured many historic moments from the Kennedy administration.
Lot #133 | John F. Kennedy's State Funeral - Type 1 PSA Encapsulated 8 x 10" Photograph of Jackie and RFK
Final Selling Price: $500.00 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Original 8 x 10" "Type 1" double-weight matte finish photograph by Abbie Rowe captures a poignant moment from John F. Kennedy’s State Funeral. The image shows First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy standing beside her brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy, during the somber ceremony. In near-fine condition, the photograph includes Abbie Rowe's White House file markings from November 25, 1963, on the verso. Rowe, an official White House photographer from 1941 to 1967, documented key moments from five presidential administrations, leaving behind a powerful visual record of American history.
LOT#195 | John F. Kennedy 1963 Funeral Service Program with a Memorial Prayer Card
Final Selling Price: $237.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Original program from President John F. Kennedy’s Funeral Service, held on November 25, 1963, at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C., is accompanied by a memorial prayer card. The service, held just days after Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, was attended by family members, government officials, and international dignitaries. The ceremony included readings, prayers, and eulogies that reflected on Kennedy’s life and legacy. The program, in near pristine condition with a customary bisecting fold line, marks a moment of national mourning and remembrance. The service at St. Matthew's Cathedral was a poignant moment for the nation, preceding Kennedy’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery.
LOT #196 | John F. Kennedy 1961 Official Inauguration Ceremonies at the National Capital Program
Final Selling Price: $187.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
1961 official program from the Inauguration Ceremonies at the National Capital, featuring a patriotic ribbon binding, marks the historic swearing-in of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States on January 20, 1961. At 43, Kennedy became the youngest elected president and the first Catholic to assume office. His iconic inaugural address, including the famous line "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country," captured the spirit of the Cold War era. The day’s events also included the traditional inaugural parade and a memorable moment when poet Robert Frost, unable to read his poem due to the snow glare, recited "The Gift Outright" from memory. The program, in fine condition, serves as a lasting symbol of the Kennedy administration's "Camelot" era.
LOT #198 | John F. Kennedy Democratic National Convention Acceptance Speech Rally Ticket from July 15 ,1960
Final Selling Price: $150.00 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
This rally ticket from the July 15, 1960 Democratic National Convention marks the moment when Senator John F. Kennedy accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate in Los Angeles. The ticket is in near fine condition, with some yellowing on the back from adhesive tape. In his speech, Kennedy introduced his vision for a "New Frontier," focusing on the need for fresh ideas and courage to tackle the challenges facing the country. His words helped rally support and energize the campaign that would lead to his election as the 35th President of the United States.
View the results of our entire auction here.
We are currently accepting consignments for our upcoming JFK and Presidential-themed auctions. Whether it’s autographs, historic documents, personal artifacts, or rare photographs, we are looking for unique items that capture the legacy of John F. Kennedy and other U.S. Presidents. We invite you to consign with us and look forward to showcasing your items to a global audience of collectors. Contact us today to discuss selling items from your collection.