Lot 230

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Description:

Oswald's Mom Peddling Her Son's Fame for Money

Two autographed signed letters by Marguerite Oswald, each on stationary card stock, 5" x 3.75". One is signed as "M.C.O", and dated "March 24, 1967"; the other signed as " Marguerite C. Oswald, mother of Lee Harvey Oswald" and dated "December 23, 1966". Both are accompanied by their original hand addressed mailing envelopes. Near fine. From the collection of Ron Hoskins, assassinologist.

After a quick, makeshift service, Marguerite barely missed a beat before stepping up to a television camera: "Lee Harvey Oswald, my son, even after his death, has done more for his country than any other living human being." Meanwhile, she espoused conspiracy theories. What drove Marguerite is unclear, however it was known she was aggressively after money and publicity. When money ran low, she was known to have sold a letter, document or an article of clothing connected to Oswald.  She would even be found on Dealey Plaza, selling autographed business cards to tourists for five dollars: Marguerite Oswald, mother of Lee Harvey Oswald. 

John Pic, Lee’s half-brother, took a particularly cynical view toward his mother's behavior after the assassination. "It is my own opinion that she is out right now to make as much money as she can on her relationship with Lee Harvey Oswald," he told the Warren Commission. "That is the only thing—I don't really believe she really believes he is innocent. I think she is out to make more money than if she has to say he is guilty. I think she is a phony in the whole deal."

These two letters both written by Marguerite support these views, shown in part below:

"...Just finished reading Lee's letter in the brochure. It certainly looks real good in print and I most certainly hope it will bring a large sale price"

"...I thought possibly that my address could be printed and presented in much the same way so that I could sell the booklet and make a few extra dollars ..."

"..Would appreciated your sending me several copies of the issue coming Mr. Manchester's story ..."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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September 30, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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