Details:

George Smathers autographed John F. Kennedy Inauguration Day cover in blue ink, adding the inscription “U.S.S. 1955–1969.” The ArtCraft cachet commemorates the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy on January 20, 1961, and features a portrait of Kennedy alongside an image of the White House. Postmarked January 20, 1961, in Washington, D.C., with a 4¢ American flag Inauguration Day stamp. Accompanied by an original signed letter on Kelley Drye & Warren LLP letterhead dated February 6, 1997, in which Smathers references autographing the enclosed inaugural cover and additionally notes beneath his signature that he was a “close friend of JFK.”

Fine condition.

Provenance: From the collection of Edward Krohn, author of the “John F. Kennedy Cover Catalog.”

George Smathers (1913–2007) served as a United States Senator from Florida from 1951 to 1969 and was one of John F. Kennedy’s closest political allies and personal friends in the Senate. Smathers played an important role during Kennedy’s rise in national politics and remained closely associated with the Kennedy administration throughout JFK’s presidency. A prominent Democratic figure of the era, Smathers was frequently involved in key legislative and political efforts during the early 1960s.

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

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Reference sku: 11688 1415684-1