Description:

Rare JFK Signed Check & Transmittal Letter During Campaign for 1956 VP Nomination, Possibly Unique Combo & Absolutely Fantastic! Both BAS Slabbed

A signed check and accompanying typed letter, both signed by John F. Kennedy as Senator during the time he made his unsuccessful bid for Vice President. The check, measuring 6.125" x 2.75", New York, dated June 19, 1956, is one of Kennedy's personal checks. No. 188, drawn on The National City Bank of New York, with a payment of $27.94 made out to John O. Pastore. Boldly signed "John Kennedy." The typed letter was sent to Pastore, on Kennedy's Senate letterhead. 1p, measuring 8" x 10.5", Washington, D.C., dated June 10, 1956. Both the check and letter are in excellent condition. The letter has flattened mail folds, and both have two staple holes at the upper left corner (likely how they were kept together). With minor rust soiling around the staple holes on the check. Both are boldly signed and housed in protective encapsulations - the letter measures 9.5" x 13" overall and the check measures 9" x 6" overall.

Signed "Jack", the letter reimburses Pastore for his expenses to attend the Kennedy event, reading in full: “I am enclosing my check for $27.94 to cover cost of your transportation from New Bedford to Washington on the 30th of May. Again, thank you for going up there and with kind regards.” Kennedy has handwritten an extra note at the bottom of the letter, stating: “This is the committee’s desire.” Beneath this inscription, Pastore has written a note back to Kennedy stating his appreciation for the unnecessary gesture, signed "John." An excellent pair for any presidential or Kennedy enthusiast! Checks signed by Kennedy are very uncommon, and this is one of only a handful that we have ever come across in public auction.

In 1956, John F. Kennedy had been a Senator for three years and was attempting to make a bid for the Vice Presidential nomination. The DNC was to be held in August and Kennedy set about laying the groundwork for his campaign early. One of his earliest supporters was John Pastore, a United States Senator from Rhode Island (1950-1976). On a visit to New Bedford, MA for an event honoring him and his wife, Kennedy invited Pastore and others to join him. The event, held on May 30, 1956, saw voters from Fall River and New Bedford brace the cold New England weather to celebrate John and Jackie at a nonpolitical, bipartisan social event. Also in attendance was Albert A. Gore, Sr. of Tennessee, who in a speech remarked that Kennedy would make an excellent presidential or vice-presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. When the DNC finally rolled around three months later, a hopeful Kennedy gave the nomination speech for the party's nominee, Adlai Stevenson II. He, unfortunately, went on to finish second in the balloting for the vice-presidential nomination, losing to Estes Kefauver. The event did however give Kennedy wide exposure and the adoration of the national television audience - something that likely aided his eventual victory four years later.

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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August 17, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
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