Guernsey Sells Robert L. White's Kennedy Collection

NEW YORK CITY

:"Robert White's collection of John F. Kennedy materials is the latest demonstration of the continuing hold JFK has on the world's imagination," wrote Robert Dallek in the introduction of the catalog for the Robert L. White Collection. In total, 1,660 lots, many of multiple items, crossed the auction block December 15-17, under the direction of Arlan "Rusty" Ettinger of Guernsey's. The sale was conducted at the Seventh Regiment Armory, with previews starting on December 13 and running through the three sale days.

Glass cases filled with papers from the JFK administration and personal items surrounded the perimeter of the large drill floor, while other displays, including two sailboats, filled the center section. The sale was conducted from the far left corner of the armory floor, with seating setup to accommodate well over 200 people.

"The sale was not that well attended," Arlan Ettinger said, "but we had thousands of bidders before the event closed." Twelve phone lines were going a good portion of the time, and online bidding was taken through eBay. "Our catalog was so complete that it was not necessary to see most of the objects and we made it real easy to bid without actually being there," he added.

Drawing attention, and setting a record for the most expensive flag sold at auction, was lot 1221, the flags from the Dallas limo that carried President Kennedy. These flags remained on the car until November 25, 1963, the date of Kennedy's burial, when they were replaced by other flags. Each measures 1 foot 6 inches by 2 feet 2 inches, and they sold for $450,000, including the 20 percent buyer's premium charged by Guernsey's. All prices quoted include the buyer's premium.

A bid of $420,000 bought lot 259, President Kennedy's Omega wristwatch that was given to him by Grant Stockdale before the 1960 election. It is inscribed "President of the United States from his friend Grant" and it was worn by JFK when he was sworn into office. The Omega watch company was the successful bidder.

Lot 569, rocking chair, fetched $60,000 and lot 863, portrait, sold for $72,000.

John F. Kennedy's passport and certificate issued in 1951 while he was a congressman sold for $54,000, and bringing $57,000 was Jacqueline Lee Bouvier's passport from the 1950s. Lot 382, President Kennedy's cigar box, dark green leatherette covering with the presidential seal on the lid, 12 1/2 by 7 by 3 1/2 inches, sold for $26,400.

Lot 399, President Kennedy's West Point ring that was presented to him when he spoke to the graduating class of 1962, sold for $42,000. "A group of graduates from that year got together and bought the ring and presented it to the West Point Museum," Arlan said.

Flash II, the Star Class sailboat Kennedy manned when he was 19 years old, drew lots of attention and finally sold for $120,000, after stiff competition. The boat was originally built in 1930 by Ole Hope and purchased by JFK in 1934. The dark brown leather billfold wallet carried by JFK until 1962, including his driver's license from 1961, sold for $48,000, while a handwritten note on White House stationary, commonly known as JFK's Cuban Missile Crisis Doodle, went for $24,000. This document is preserved in a 12 1/2 by 9 1/2 silver frame.

A bid of $72,000 took the Aaron Shikler study for the Whiter House portrait of JFK, oil on rag paper, signed "AAS '70" lower right, and measuring 22 1/2 by 15 1/4 inches sight. The artist was selected by Mrs Kennedy and her portrait, also by Shikler, hangs permanently in the White House.

Kennedy brought popularity to the rocking chair and one of the 12 chairs he had made, often used in the Oval Office, was sold, bringing $60,000. Branded beneath the left arm rest is the following: "Manufacturer of The Original Carolina Rocker P & P Chair Company, Attleboro, North Carolina."

Admission to the auction was by catalog only, $50 each. To acquire a catalog, along with a post price list, contact Guernsey's at 108 East 73rd Street, New York City NY 10021 or 212-794-2280.