Kennedy John

JFK Assassination, Gripping Archive of Oswald's Captor MacDonald, Ex-Forbes

An outstanding archive of material relating to John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, compiled by Maurice "Nick" McDonald, the Dallas police officer who apprehended Oswald in the Texas Theatre. Comprised of a rare and unusual 4pp manuscript fully engrossed and 2x signed by Officer McDonald; seven high-quality photocopies of original Dallas Police Department records, including one signed by Officer McDonald; and a signed photo of Officer McDonald. The photocopies are stamped "Ronald E. Wade", referring to presidential collector Ronald Ellis Wade. Near fine. Ex-Forbes.

35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy was shot by gunman Lee Harvey Oswald (1939-1963) in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Authorities reconstructed Oswald's whereabouts after the lunchtime shooting, tracing him from the 6th Floor of the Texas School Book Depository, to the Texas Theatre located in downtown Dallas. Oswald was discovered hiding in the movie theater by Officer Maurice "Nick" McDonald (1928-2005), who recounted the harrowing arrest in the manuscript described below. The lot provides us with eerie insights into the presidential assassin, and the assassin of the assassin, Jack Ruby (1911-1967).

The lot includes:

1. 4pp manuscript entitled "The Arrest and Capture of Lee Harvey Oswald, by Officer Maurice N. McDonald", written in black felt pen on "City of Dallas / Texas / Police Department" letterhead entirely in McDonald's hand, and 2x signed by him, once at the top of the first page, and once at the conclusion as "Officer Maurice N. McDonald / - Captor of Oswald - ". Minor vertical and slightly discolored fold at center, mentioned just for accuracy. Else near fine. 8.5" x 11".

On the afternoon of November 22nd, Officer McDonald had reported to the Texas Theatre to investigate the shooting of fellow policeman J.D. Tippit, who was his friend and locker mate. Lee Harvey Oswald was the primary suspect.

Officer McDonald wrote in part:

"After I had entered the Texas Theatre, I went to the exit curtains, to the left of the movie screen…I notice that there are only 10 or 15 patrons for this Friday matinee, of a showing of the double billed feature, 'Cry of Battle' and 'War is Hell'. How factual their titles would relate to reality in just a few moments!!...

Like a hunter, I am stalking him [Oswald], but only in my mind…I am almost there now. Still no movement from him. The diversion is working. I turn quickly, an abrupt and definite move. We are only inches apart. His hands are folded in his lap. As he calmly looks up to me, I speak in a strong determined voice, 'Get on your feet'. He suddenly realizes that he has waited too long to make a free and open move. He stands up slowly, facing the screen. Turning his head, we are face to face: I stare directly into his cold, frigid eyes…"

Officer McDonald was injured just moments later when Oswald attempted to fire point-blank range at him. In recognition of his heroism in capturing Oswald, McDonald received the Dallas Police Medal of Valor and was also inducted into the National Police Hall of Fame. McDonald retired from the Dallas Police Department as a sergeant, after 25 years on the force, in 1980. One can see from this excerpt that Officer McDonald had a natural talent for writing. He produced a longer manuscript, entitled "Oswald and I", in 1993.

2. Photocopies of seven original Dallas Police Department records, including:

- Lee Harvey Oswald's fingerprints

- Lee Harvey Oswald's right hand impression

- Lee Harvey Oswald's left hand impression

- Arrest Report on Investigative Prisoner Lee Harvey Oswald, showing McDonald as the primary arresting officer, and signed by McDonald as "Officer - Maurice N. McDonald" at upper center

- Homicide Report of John F. Kennedy, listing Lee Harvey Oswald under "Persons Arrested"

- Homicide Report of Lee Harvey Oswald, listing Jack Ruby under "Persons Arrested"

- Jack Ruby's fingerprints

3. A black and white glossy snapshot of Officer McDonald in police uniform, seated in front of the Texas Theatre, signed by him as "Officer Maurice N. McDonald" at upper left. Stamped and pen inscribed verso "Captor of / Lee Harvey Oswald". 2.5" x 3.5".

Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

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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