John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Seal Cuff Links

President Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn gold-filled cufflinks featuring elegantly raised presidential seals, each engraved with his initials on the reverse, “J. F. K.” The swivel-bar type cufflinks also have the maker’s mark “R” and “10K” stamped into the reverse. Includes a letter of provenance on a White House card from Toi Bachelder, a very well-known White House secretary, from FDR to LBJ, and personal secretary to JFK’s own Ted Sorenson. In part: “These gold-filled cuff links with a raised Presidential Seal was [sic] owned & used by President John F. Kennedy. He personally gave them to me. I was honored to be among the staff who accompanied JFK on his last European trip in June 1963.” Ms. Bachelder was aboard the presidential Air Force One as her boss, speech writer Ted Sorenson, needed her close at hand. An amazing set of custom-engraved and personally-worn presidential pieces of jewelry, given to a member of his inner circle. This impressive presidential relic is worthy of the most advanced collector.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=218

Baseball World Series 1909 Program

Exceptionally rare program for the 1909 World Series, 10 x 6.5, featuring a cartoonish tiger on the front cover holding pennants for the American League Champion Detroit Tigers and National League Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. The program is scored in pencil for the third game of the series on October 11, 1909, in which the Pirates beat the Tigers 8–6, led by a three-hit performance from Honus Wagner. In very good condition, with three significant vertical folds, some slight chipping to edges, and pencil marks inside front and back covers.

Despite their prolific careers, this was the only time that Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb met in the Fall Classic. The series went the full seven games, and ultimately Pittsburgh triumphed over Detroit to win their first championship of the modern era. Contributing to the rarity of these programs was Detroit’s defeat—most Tigers fans threw away their programs in an effort to erase the memory of their third consecutive World Series loss. Also notable is that the iconic T206 baseball card set began to be distributed in 1909, which is famously known for its extremely valuable Honus Wagner card. This program represents an important year and match-up in baseball history, and only four examples have been offered at public auction in over two decades.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1076

Lake Placid Olympics 1980 Bronze Winners Medal

This 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Winter Games bronze winners medal was presented to Swedish hockey player Bo Berglund. Medal is a very large 80 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 180 grams. The medal’s edge is stamped with “Tiffany & Co. Bronze ©1979.” One side of the medal features a raised image of a hand holding the Olympic torch against a mountain backdrop, with the Olympic rings and “XIII Olympic Winter Games,” in raised letters. Reverse bears a fir tree and pine cone design, with “Lake Placid 1980,” in raised letters, and engraved underneath, “Ice Hockey.” Medal retains its original blue and white ribbon. Condition is near mint.

Bo Berglund was a standout player in the Swedish League and won bronze medals in both the 1980 and 1988 Games, tallying one goal and three assists during the Games at Lake Placid. Originally drafted by the Boston Bruins, Berglund would spend parts of three seasons with Quebec, Minnesota, and Philadelphia. Medals from the 1980 Winter Olympic Games are quite rare, as only 73 bronze were presented, coupled with its relation to the ‘Miracle on Ice’ performance of the US Hockey Team, widely regarded as the greatest sports triumph of the 20th century, elevate this medal to an elite status for collectors. An ice hockey medal from the iconic 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympiad is a prize any advanced Olympic collector would aspire to own.    

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=444

Sam Francis Signed book YEA First edition

Signed book: YEA. First edition. Culver City, CA: The Lapis Press, 1989. Hardcover, 5.25 x 8.25, 25 pages. Signed on the first free end page with an ownership signature in black felt tip by Cid Corman, and hand-painted on the front and back covers by Francis. An extremely limited issue, only 25 copies of this specially painted edition were released, and this example has a particularly remarkable association—YEA was written by Corman and published by Francis, who founded The Lapis Press. This particular book remained unsigned by Francis, who retained it for personal use and sent it as a gift to Corman prior to publication. Includes a letter penned by Corman’s wife, Konishi Shizumi, following his death, transmitting this book as a gift to a friend. In part (spelling and grammar retained): “I’d like I have a surpris for you it little too early to X’mas gift of you. I fond sam of book and franko of peace card. I can’t find out sam paint bout I look for cid and sam made book gift for X’mas from cid to you.” A remarkable association with regard to an already excessively rare book. Book is in VG+ condition, with rubbing along edges; slight yellowing; and light scattered foxing (mostly to exterior and first/last few pages). Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=611

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Wooden Box Kept on his Bedside Table

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic quality personally-owned and -used wooden box, kept on his bedside table at the White House. Beautiful wood inlaid box measures 9.5 x 7 x 3.5, with the President’s initials, “FDR,” handsomely inlaid in ebony on the cover. The box’s lock has been disabled and has no key, but easily opens and closes. Accompanied by a detailed 1990 letter of provenance on White House letterhead from the wife of White House valet and steward Irineo Esperancilla. Letter reads, in part: “The lovely wood inlay box…was kept in the White House by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on his bedside table…In this box President Roosevelt kept his most personal correspondence. It was so personal that when the President passed away…my husband promptly picked up the locked box…and brought it home…The contents of FDR’s most personal correspondence was burned by my husband in our own kitchen sink—He did this act out of loyalty and respect for the President.” Also included is a second letter of provenance from Esperancilla’s wife on a White House card, a copy of a letter to Esperancilla from Naval Aide to the President Edward Leach, written on the occasion of Esperancilla’s retirement, thanking him for his loyal service to four presidents, as well as a photocopy of Esperancilla’s obituary. In very fine condition, with expected light wear, that does not detract from its aesthetic appeal. President Roosevelt once told his valets they were his ‘lifeline and keeper of his secrets,’ which was certainly the case with the disposition of the contents of this box. One could only wonder what secrets this box might have held at the time of Roosevelt’s death, with the truth known by only two men, the president and his loyal valet. An impressive FDR relic of the most personal order, deserving of a place in a distinguished collection.
Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=102

General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Four-Star A-2 Jacket

President Eisenhower's personally-owned and -worn dark brown Type A-2 leather flight jacket from World War II, size 42, featuring four-star epaulettes on the shoulders. The tag inside the neck area does not indicate a manufacturer, reading: "Type A-2 / Drawing No. 30-1415 / A. A. F. Contract / No. W535-AC-27753 / Property / Air Forces, U. S. Army." An inspection stamp to the right of the tags is faded but visible. All markings are of the appropriate manufacture dates or delivery timeframe. The jacket has a brass Conmar zipper, brown stitching for the jacket, and olive drab stitching for the four-star epaulette patches. The pockets feature rounded lower corners and an angular flap. 

Includes a detailed letter of significant provenance on White House letterhead signed by Delores Moaney, the Eisenhower family's cook and the widow of Sgt. John Moaney. Her husband had served as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s close personal valet from 1942 until the president's death in 1969. In part: "This World War II leather jacket was worn by General Eisenhower while he was a four-star General from early 1943 until December 1944…My husband, Sgt. John Moaney was Valet to the General and President from 1942 until Ike's death in 1969. He was with the General throughout the War years and traveled many miles with him…When the General no longer wanted this leather jacket, he gave it to my husband. After my husband's death, I kept it in my personal possession." Also includes additional pieces of important provenance consisting of a typed White House card signed by Mrs. Moaney, briefly outlining the same details, as well as four modern prints of photos showing John Moaney with Eisenhower, and nearly 100 very interesting and unique original black and white candid photos, mainly of workers at the White House, with several picturing Ike and Mamie Eisenhower, and a few picturing Sgt. John Moaney. 

The epaulettes decisively date the jacket to between February 11, 1943, and December 20, 1944, the period during which Eisenhower was considered a four-star general; it is most likely that this jacket was issued just a bit earlier, with new star patches sewn to the epaulettes as he advanced in rank. Most importantly, it was during this time that Eisenhower planned Operation Overlord, leading the Allied forces in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day—June 6, 1944. As an iconic World War II leather jacket owned and worn by General Eisenhower during the most crucial period of the war, still in excellent condition for its age, this is an artifact of ultimate historical interest and significance. A quintessential military and presidential relic to say the least.

Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=172

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Walnut Cane

President Roosevelt’s personally-owned and -used walnut cane with a white bone handle and tip, measuring 39.5″ long, featuring two black rings below the grip and a silver ring at the bottom of the handle. Includes a detailed letter of provenance on White House letterhead from Mildred Prettyman, a White House worker and the widow of Arthur S. Prettyman. Her husband had served as Roosevelt’s valet from 1939 until the president's death in 1945, and continued working for Harry S. Truman until he left office in 1953. In part: “It gives me pleasure to present to you one of the canes owned and used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was given to my husband, Arthur S. Prettyman shortly after the handle was cracked, by the President…This particular cane was used a great deal by the President until he cracked the ivory top. It has a curved handle for the hand grip and two black rings near the top. At the bottom of the handle is a silver ring. The bottom of the cane has an ivory tip nearly 3 1/2 inches long…This most personal possession of the President must be preserved for future generations.” Accompanied by multiple photos of President Roosevelt holding the cane at various events, including a visit with Winston Churchill, as well as a photo of Mildred Prettyman with the cane at the time she transferred it to the distinguished Amyx collection.

Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=79

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 Inaugural Top Hat

President Roosevelt’s personally-owned and -worn top hat, size 7 3/8, worn for his first presidential inauguration on March 4, 1933. The impressive format top hat is made of high quality beaver fur with a white silk lining and leather inner band, with the president’s full name, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt,” embossed in gold lettering on the left side of the leather band and on the inner crown. Includes the original storage box, constructed of leather-wrapped wood with a dark green smooth satin lining, embossed on the front in gold lettering, “F. D. R.,” and stamped by the maker, “Cross.” Includes a detailed full-page letter of provenance on White House letterhead from Mildred Prettyman, a White House worker and the widow of Arthur S. Prettyman. Her husband had served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s valet from 1939 until the president's death in 1945, and continued working for Harry S. Truman until he left office in 1953. Mrs. Prettyman describes the close relationship between her husband and FDR, in part: "President Roosevelt said of his Valets, 'You are my lifeline, the keeper of my keys.' The President did not mean real keys, but the keys to FDR's secrets." Discussing this specific piece, she writes: “It gives me pleasure to present to you a beautiful black Inaugural top hat, owned and used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Inaugural top hat with the original box came to my husband, Arthur S. Prettyman, along with other important F. D. R. personal items…In addition to the President’s Inauguration, he would wear his top hat to various occasions, such as formal dinners and receptions.”

Roosevelt wore top hats to his 1933, 1937, and 1941 inauguration ceremonies; the latter two hats are accounted for in institutional collections. This 1933 Inauguration top hat is in absolutely splendid condition. Franklin Pierce began the tradition by wearing a top hat for his presidential inauguration in 1853, with nearly every president thereafter following suit through Nixon, with Eisenhower and Johnson being notable exceptions. This FDR 1933 formal hat topped off the stylish ensemble worn by Roosevelt for his 1933 inauguration, which included striped trousers, fur-trimmed morning coat, cane, and pince-nez spectacles. FDR rode to the ceremony in an open-topped car alongside President Hoover, and is seen in numerous pictures with the hat—wearing it and animatedly waving it to the crowd gathered along the street—as they made their way to the East Portico of the Capitol, where he would receive the oath of office from Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes. Once sworn in, President Roosevelt delivered a speech that remains one of the most well-known in American political history, opening with the strong and oft-quoted assertion 'that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' With the nation embroiled in economic depression and the world facing the specter of fascism's rise, Roosevelt's inauguration marked a crucial turning point around the globe—and this iconic hat, FDR's most prominent article of clothing on that day, is a monumental relic of this critical moment in history
Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=77

Bruce Springsteen 1982 AFTRA membership card

Springsteen’s AFTRA membership card, 3.75 x 2, for the period ending May 1, 1982. Front of card bears Springsteen’s typed name and Social Security number, with Springsteen printing his name on the reverse. In fine condition. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=828