Two fine Irish linen hankies with embroidered white shamrocks, measuring approximately 10 x 10'', originally presented as a gift to Mrs. Kennedy from the Irish Ambassador. Inside the box is a handwritten note by Mary Gallagher on White House Stationery stating, "1 doz Irish Linen hankies. Presented to Mrs Kennedy by the Irish Ambassador St. Patrick's day - 1963. Gave 2 each to Evelyn Lincoln Arlene Miller Mary Kosak...," unused in the original box with the blue wrapping ribbon.

Presumably this gift can be tied to the Presidential shamrock ceremony in which the President receives a cluster of Ireland's most famous greenery on the feast day of Ireland's patron saint. Though this ceremony begun in 1952, its importance was heightened under the Kennedy administration as he was the first President with an Irish Catholic heritage.

These items come directly from the collection of Mary Gallagher, former personal secretary to Mrs. Kennedy from 1957 to 1964, and whose book My Life with Jacqueline Kennedy was an international best-seller. To learn more please visit, www.guernseys.com

Good condition.