Details:

John F. Kennedy assassination relic crucifix containing two authentic fragments of blood-stained leather removed from the rear seat of the presidential Lincoln Continental SS-100-X, the limousine in which President Kennedy was mortally wounded in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The relics are housed within an antique rosewood and steel crucifix measuring approximately 2.5 x 4.5 inches, which swivels open to reveal the preserved leather fragments. The crucifix is attributed by a pervious owner as having been subsequently blessed after the relics were placed inside. The two leather fragments measure approximately 5/8 x 1/4 inch (dark blue) and 3/8 x 1/4 inch (light blue).

These relics originate from one of the most significant artifacts associated with the Kennedy assassination—the rear seat of the presidential limousine itself. Following the assassination, F. Vaughn Ferguson, Technical Service Representative at the White House responsible for the presidential automobile fleet, was directed by the Secret Service to assist in preparing the limousine for possible use by newly sworn-in President Lyndon B. Johnson. Upon arriving at the White House garage, Ferguson found the vehicle partially dismantled, with the blood-soaked rear seat removed after FBI investigators searched for bullet fragments and other evidence. Four days after the assassination, Ferguson and the White House upholsterer removed sections of the damaged leather before the limousine was shipped to Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati, Ohio, where it underwent an extensive reconstruction and armoring program.

Accompanying the lot is a color copy of a signed 1982 letter from F. Vaughn Ferguson, written on White House letterhead, in which he documents the origin of the leather. Ferguson writes in part: “The light blue and dark blue is from the automobile in which John F. Kennedy… was assassinated… Four days after the assassination the White House upholsterer and I removed this leather at the White House. The light blue leather is from the center of the rear seat. The dark blue leather is from the border of the rear seat. The spots on the leather are the dried blood of our beloved President, John F. Kennedy.” The letter concludes with a handwritten postscript reflecting personally on President Kennedy, describing him as “a great man” and expressing how deeply he was missed.

According to the accompanying provenance, Ferguson later transferred portions of the removed leather directly to noted presidential memorabilia collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, whose renowned Amyx Collection became one of the foremost collections of presidential artifacts ever assembled. Portions of the leather subsequently entered private collections, with the present relics ultimately acquired by our consignor. Also included are color copies of a photograph depicting Ferguson signing the provenance letter, along with color copies of photographs showing the rear seat of the presidential limousine immediately following the assassination, clearly illustrating the sections from which these relics originated.

Very good condition overall. The crucifix displays light age wear and patina consistent with its age. The leather relics remain securely housed within the crucifix. Accompanied by color copies of F. Vaughn Ferguson’s signed White House letter, a photograph of Ferguson, and photographs documenting the presidential limousine’s rear seat following the assassination.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11665 1416484-1