An American presidential theme has emerged as a highlight of Sworders’ upcoming Books, Manuscripts, Autographs and Maps sale, which offers the chance to bid on a plethora of signed lots, that will form part of the sale that runs online from 18-27 October.
17 October 2024
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We are pleased to be hosting our autumn auction of Books, Manuscripts, Autographs and Maps, proudly characterised by an American presidential theme. Running from 18-27 October, this timed online sale, features items of particular interest including a private collection of books and first day covers signed by pre-eminent US politicians.
From left to right: Lot 337 (£400-600); Lot 338 (£200-400); Lot 339 (£2,000-4,000)
This remarkable collection was assembled by two UK collectors over the last 30 years and the collection is headed by the first printing of John F Kennedy’s The Strategy of Peace (1960), which amassed the speeches of Kennedy who at the time was the front-running Democratic candidate for the presidency. This copy, complete with dust jacket, is signed and inscribed by JFK to Don (Mitchell) “With many thanks and best personal regards, Jack Kennedy”. The lot has an estimate of £2,000-4,000 and also includes a copy of the Congressional Record for November 27, 1963 which deals with Kennedy’s death, in addition to the first and last pages of The Houston Post, for November 5, 1980.
Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (Signed) (£400-600); Kennedy, Robert F (Signed) (£200-400); Kennedy, John F (Signed) (£2000-4000)
Further noteworthy lots include a copy of Bobby Kennedy’s The Enemy Within, his exposé of corruption and crime within American labour unions. This copy is signed “To Suzanne, with best wishes, Robert F Kennedy” and guided between £200-400. Another signed piece is James Macgregor Burns’ Edward Kennedy and the Camelot Legacy (1976) estimated at £400-600, with Ted Kennedy’s signature displayed on the title page.
From left to right: Lot 338 (£200-400); Lot 339 (£2,000-4,000); Lot 337 (£400-600)
A fifth printing of Looking Forward, a compilation of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s writings in which he sets forth his reasoning and hope for the major reforms of his New Deal, is inscribed “With a Merry Christmas from Franklin D Roosevelt, 1933” (estimate £600-800).
Signed on JFK USA first day cover (£150-250)
Likely to spark great interest is a JKF first-day cover, signed by five US presidents - Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Alongside this, we are also delighted to present a United Nations USA first-day cover, signed by Barack Obama. Both first-day covers have a guide of £150-250.
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