JOHN F. KENNEDY'S PRESIDENTIAL VALET, GEORGE E. THOMAS, WITH JOHN F. KENNEDY JR.

STERLING SILVER TEETHING RING - JOHN F. KENNEDY JR. - PART OF THE RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX COLLECTION

It was November 22, 1963. President Kennedy was scheduled to visit Dallas, following an earlier appearance. His valet, George Thomas, had joined him for the trip. As Air Force One rolled to a stop at the Dallas airport, JFK and Thomas were standing in the tail of the plane looking out at the enormous crowd that had gathered. Well aware that his valet had grown up in the tiny town of Berryville Virginia, Kennedy laughingly observed, “You know, George, I think this is a bigger town than you come from.”

THE OFFICIAL FLAG THAT FLEW OVER THE WHITE HOUSE WHEN JFK WAS ASSASSINATED ON NOVEMBER 22, 1963 - PART OF THE RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX COLLECTION
SEE MORE PRESIDENTIAL RELICS HERE

That joke was their last conversation, but it wasn’t George Thomas’ last act as presidential valet. JFK’s long-time friend and aide, Dave Powers, was given responsibility for choosing the president’s funeral clothing. He sought help from Thomas, who narrowed the choices down to eight suits with all the necessary accessories as well as four pairs of shoes.

The shirt Powers selected was monogrammed. However, George Thomas reminded Powers that Kennedy had a special dislike of flashy monograms, so the suit was arranged to conceal the initials. And then Thomas performed his last personal act for President Kennedy, folding JFK’s handkerchief and slipping it into the jacket pocket just as the President always had – with the monogram covered.

An experienced valet, Thomas began serving Jack Kennedy in 1947, when JFK was first elected to the US Congress. Thomas was recommended for the position by Arthur Krock a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who was close to the Kennedy clan. When Kennedy became President, George Thomas moved into the White House to continue serving the man who had become his friend.

JOHN F. KENNEDY IN DALLAS BEFORE HE WAS ASSASSINATED. TWO SECTIONS OF THE REAR LEATHER SEAT FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL LIMOUSINE THAT JFK WAS RIDING IN ARE PART OF THE RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX COLLECTION

George Thomas continued to live in Washington after Kennedy’s passing. He served as a confidential aide to various chairmen of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from 1965 until he retired in 1978. Two years later, he passed away from a heart ailment.

World renowned collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx has acquired a remarkable number of scarce or rare pieces of official White House China. Mr. Amyx’s passion for American historical artifacts has been his sole focus for nearly 40 years. Mr. Amyx's collection is the largest privately-owned collection of extremely high-quality, as well as the rarest, Official White House China and Presidential China in the world. If you would like to engage in a discussion with Mr. Amyx about White House China, please contact him through the button below.

Senator Robert “Bobby” Kennedy was well aware of the dangers he faced in public life, especially considering his older brother, John F. Kennedy’s assassination. In addition to the inherent risk of public life, Robert Kennedy had previously served as Attorney General. He was a staunch supporter of civil rights and helped place several high-level criminals, such as Jimmy Hoffa, behind bars.

SENATOR ROBERT "BOBBY" KENNEDY IN A MOMENT OF  QUIET REFLECTION

The mood of the public in America was one of uncertainty and skepticism. Despair over the assassination of JFK in 1963 and the very recent assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was compounded by public outcry over the Vietnam War. There was no longer any way to take life for granted. The image of perfect white picket fences had been completely obliterated.

By midnight on June 4, 1968, New York Senator Robert Kennedy was exhausted, running on pure adrenalin. It was hard to believe that just a week earlier Kennedy had lost the Oregon Democratic Primary to Eugene McCarthy. The 174 delegates had declared California a “Kennedy state.” It seemed that the Democratic nomination was well within his reach. After giving a short speech celebrating his victory in California, Robert Kennedy left 2,000 campaign workers in the Embassy Ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles and was led out through the kitchen.

THE PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES FROM SENATOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY. NEARLY IDENTICAL TO HIS BROTHER'S - PRESIDENT JFK. BOTH ARE IN THE AMYX COLLECTION.

With all of the kitchen staff, media, and Kennedy’s entourage, there were more than 70 people packed in that hotel kitchen. The 24-year old Palestinian named Sirhan Sirhan man approached Kennedy without warning. He pulled out a .22 caliber pistol, firing again and again until all eight cylinders had been emptied. Robert Kennedy was hit three times; the bullet that caused his death hit behind his right ear. The other two bullets entered his right armpit, one below the other. The remaining bullets injured five innocent bystanders.

Chaos ensued. The hotel maitre'd tackled the shooter, forcing him down on the steam table beside them. There was no Secret Service or officers from the Los Angeles Police Department present. The few hired security measures that had been taken had failed miserably. Robert F. Kennedy was lying on the floor in pain. A young busboy pressed a set of rosary beads into his open palm and offered him a few words of encouragement. Bobby Kennedy responded by asking if everyone was alright. His overwrought, pregnant wife Ethel Kennedy knelt down next to him weeping until the ambulance arrived.

ROBERT F. KENNEDY'S BROTHER, PRESIDENT JOHN F KENNEDY AND FATHER JANUARY 20TH, 1961

When Kennedy arrived at the hospital, the doctors determined that the bullet that entered his skull was fired just inches from his head – not from a distance where Sirhan Sirhan was standing. This was the first of many disturbing discoveries of the investigation. Kennedy was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital where surgeons spent three hours trying to save him. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain. Robert Kennedy was pronounced dead at 1:44 am on June 5 at the age of only 42.

PRESIDENT JFK'S EYEGLASSES FROM THE RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX COLLECTION - ROBERT F KENNEDY WAS ASSASSINATED JUST 5 YEARS AFTER HIS BROTHER

Sirhan Sirhan had dispelled eight bullets in the hotel kitchen that night. His diary said that he intended to kill RFK because of his support of Israel. Sirhan was tried and convicted for the murder of Robert Kennedy. His death sentence was commuted when the death penalty was abolished in California in 1972.

Although the incident seemed direct, many people involved remain convinced that there may have been another shooter. Several witnesses recall hearing thirteen bullets being fired. Others saw Sirhan talking to an unidentified girl just before the shooting started. Adding to the oddity, hotel doorways that were photographed with bullet abrasions were immediately destroyed and replaced.  For reasons we cannot explain, all evidence that supported the theory of another gunman was completely destroyed, recanted or declared irrelevant.

HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR – RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX

World-renown collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx has spent nearly 35 years buying, selling, and trading museum-quality historical memorabilia including items that belonged to Robert F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy. Many of the museum-quality historical artifacts acquired by the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection will be sold in a live auction in Boston, Mass. on September 17th & 18th, 2014 by RRAUCTION.COM. Contact them to register for the auction and to obtain a catalog. You can find the official auction web page at http://www.rrauction.com/Raleigh-DeGeer-Amyx-Collection-September-2014.htm.

If you have interest in any particular items in the collection, please feel free to inquire using the form below or contact the auction house directly using the above link.

JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY - 35TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, affectionately referred to as JFK, was one of America’s most beloved presidents. Although his tenure as the 35th President of the United States was short, his presence captured the hearts and minds of the American public. The world stood still on Friday, November 22, 1963, when one sniper shot fatally wounded President John F. Kennedy and wounded Texas Governor John Connally. All this as they rode in the President's motorcade as he passed by the Texas Book Depository and down Elm Street in Dallas, Texas.

Immediately after the shots were fired, hysteria ensued. Many officials raced to identify and try to apprehend the shooter. Others rushed to assess and treat President Kennedy and Governor Connally and ensure that no one else in had been injured.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY AND THE FIRST LADY MOMENTS BEFORE THE ASSASSINATION

AT THE HOSPITAL

President Kennedy was urgently rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done. By the time President Kennedy arrived at the hospital, he was essentially gone. At 1:00 PM on November 22, 1963, Father Oscar Huber administered last rites and President John F. Kennedy was pronounced dead. The White House officially informed the American public at 1:33 PM Central Time.  All across America, anyone who was an adult in 1963, can still recall where they were and the conditions under which they learned about JFK’s assassination and its impact on the nation.

IN THE AFTERMATH

The loss of JFK sent shockwaves all across the globe. The President had given new life to Americans. His face exuded confidence and his words conveyed unending hope for America. Would his dreams die with him? Had he been silenced by his adversaries? Where can we turn for reliable answers?

FIRST LADY JACQUELINE KENNEDY, ROBERT KENNEDY, JOHN KENNEDY JR, AND CAROLINE KENNEDY ATTEND THE PRESIDENT'S FUNERAL

The investigation of this assassination has faced more scrutiny than any other in modern history. People who were in the area heard an initial shot that was not immediately recognized as a gunshot. Then, they thought they heard between two and three additional shots in a cluster. Lee Harvey Oswald was soon identified as the man who shot at the presidential limousine from a sniper perch on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.

ASSASSIN LEE HARVEY OSWALD

LEE HARVEY OSWALD

After hearing a description of the suspect on the police radio, Dallas Police Officer J. D. Tippit spotted Oswald in Oak Cliff, a suburb three miles from the assassination site. When Officer Tippit stepped out of his police car to apprehend him, Oswald shot him four times, killing him instantly. A witness saw what happened and called the police to inform them of Oswald’s actions and whereabouts. Just 70 minutes after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in a movie theater and charged with the murders of President Kennedy and Dallas Police Officer Tippit.

Although Oswald never admitted his guilt during more than 12 hours of intense questioning, there was damning evidence that tied him to the crime. The gun used to kill President Kennedy had a partial palm print on the barrel that matched Oswald and fibers matching his clothing were found on the gun. In addition, he was shown to have gunshot residue on his face and hand.

The state of Texas was spared the expense of a trial for Oswald when Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby murdered Oswald as he was being escorted for transportation to the Dallas County Jail. The entire riveting incident was recorded live on American television.

HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX - AT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

COLLECTOR RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX

The tragic death of President John F. Kennedy is a topic of great interest to American historians and collectors throughout the world. World-renowned collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx has dedicated the past 33 years to acquiring museum-quality treasures of historical significance. Mr. Amyx is proud to display several personal items that belonged to President John F. Kennedy. If you would like to discuss the purchase, sale or trade of museum-quality American artifacts, please contact Mr. Amyx at your convenience.

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY SETS EXPECTIONS FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS

Addressing Congress on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy said, “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth”

This objective was important because developments in the Soviet Union and elsewhere had overshadowed advancements in the United States. Putting a man on the moon proved to be very expensive and high-risk but the success of this mission achieved its objective of elevating the United States to a new level of world leadership.

AMERICANS WATCH IN AWE AS THE APOLLO 11 BEGINS ITS JOURNEY TO THE MOON

Lift Off

It was 9:32 AM on July 16, 1969 at Kennedy Space Center, FL when Neil Armstrong, “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins were launched into space headed toward the Moon. Despite many months of intensive training, they nervously thought about the journey ahead while the thrusting force pressed them against their seats.

The Apollo 11 was made up of several parts. Later in the mission, the lunar module would detach and land on the moon. Armstrong and Aldrin would use it to conduct their research and experiments on the moon while Collins continued orbiting the moon in the command module. Later the lunar module would reattach to the command module to return them to Earth. The crew nicknamed the command module “Columbia” and the lunar module “Eagle,” which Armstrong referred to when he auspiciously announced, “The Eagle has landed.”

THIS EAGLE PATCH COMMEMMORATES THE APOLLO 11 MISSION TO THE MOON

Television Address

On the last evening in space, the Apollo astronauts addressed the American public via television and commented on their experiences during the mission.

Commander Neil Armstrong said: "…The responsibility for this flight lies first with history and with the giants of science who have preceded this effort; next with the American people, who have, through their will, indicated their desire; next with four administrations and their Congresses, for implementing that will; and then, with the agency and industry teams that built our spacecraft, the Saturn, the Columbia, the Eagle, and the little EMU, the spacesuit and backpack that was our small spacecraft out on the lunar surface.

We would like to give special thanks to all the Americans who built the spacecraft; who did the construction, design, tests, and put their hearts and their abilities into those craft. To those people tonight, we give a special thank you, and to all the other people listening and watching tonight, God bless you. Good night from Apollo 11."

NEIL ARMSTRONG - THE FIRST MAN TO WALK ON THE MOON

Lunar Module Pilot, Edwin "Buzz" E. Aldrin, Jr. said: “This has been far more than three men on a mission to the Moon; more, still, than the efforts of a government and industry team; more, even, than the efforts of one nation. We feel that this stands as a symbol of the insatiable curiosity of all mankind to explore the unknown. Today I feel we're fully capable of accepting expanded roles in the exploration of space.”

Global Impact

This success of this mission, landing men on the Moon and returning them safely back to Earth, was an extraordinary event. It set the stage for many future explorations and accomplished the task of elevating the global status of the technological and political status of the US.

AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPH OF APOLLO 11 ASTRONAUTS

Artifacts

The commemoration of Apollo 11 has been widespread with historical memorabilia and anniversary celebrations. Raleigh DeGeer Amyx has been an avid collector of American artifacts for more than 25 years. He is proud to include an autographed official NASA portrait of the Apollo 11 astronauts in his collection of museum-quality items.

Select pieces in this overall collection may soon be available for sale or trade. If you have a serious interest, please fill out the contact form below. Mr. Amyx would appreciate the opportunity to engage in a confidential discussion with you about a topic or item of interest.

RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX - HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR

MARILYN MONROE WITH TONY CURTIS AND JACK LEMMON IN THE LEGENDARY FILM "SOME LIKE IT HOT"

It was early 1959 that the film that the American Film Institute named the Greatest American Comedy Film of All Time was released: Some Like it Hot. It was one of the last times the world would see Marilyn Monroe on the silver screen. She had given Americans pause, feeling the need to stop and think about the feelings that lurked inside each of them. She was a seemingly innocent small town girl whose talent and beauty had given her opportunities that she’d never imagined.

MARILYN MONROE DISPLAYING HER INIMITABLE BEAUTY AND PERSONALITY

Her tragic end was as sad as her life’s beginning. The disputed identity of her father was compounded by her mother’s mental instability. Because she was unable to properly care for her, the young Norma Jeane was tossed around from home to home, suffering sexual abuse and perpetual uncertainty.

When she was just a young girl, about 8 years old, Norma Jeane was under the care of her mother’s friend, Grace McKee. Grace used to encourage her to wear makeup and style her hair. She told her that she could be a movie star. They often went to movies together and it did not take long for Norma Jeane to become fascinated with Hollywood. Although Grace moved on, Norma Jeane never stopped longing for stardom. While working as a model, she caught the attention of a Hollywood executive and landed her first film contract at age 20.

LOVED BY FILM DIRECTORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THE WORLD OVER, MARILYN MONROE'S PERSONAL BRAND BECAME A COMMERCIAL JUGGERNAUT

It was at the beginning of her film career that she adopted the name Marilyn Monroe. It was not the first stage name she used. There were many other variations before she agreed to use Marilyn Monroe because the double M’s sounded sexy. She initially hesitated because Marilyn was a typical contraction of Mary Lynn, which she did not like. Monroe had been her mother’s maiden name.

A STUNNING SEPIA IMAGE OF MARILYN MONROE

Although she won the affections of the American public, Marilyn never seemed to be content. She was married and divorced three times; the second marriage to Joe DiMaggio lasted a mere nine months. And, she never had the pleasure of becoming a mother. Her outpouring of sexuality was a large part of her persona. Hugh Hefner, the owner of Playboy magazine, credited the great success of the magazine’s first issue to Marilyn, whose nude photographs were featured.

AN ICONIC IMAGE OF MARILYN MONROE

Of her many instances of sexy public posturing, perhaps the most famous was at Madison Square Garden in May of 1962, when Marilyn sang Happy Birthday Mr. President for President John F. Kennedy, with whom some believed she had an affair. Just a few months later, this striking beauty was found dead in her home from an apparent barbiturate overdose. The world will never see another like the great Marilyn Monroe.

The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection is proud to present an original signed copy of the 1958 Life magazine photo illustration featuring the inimitable Marilyn Monroe. The inscription reads “Love Marilyn Monroe.” The artwork measures 8.5 x 10 inches and is in full color. It features Marilyn with hair and makeup emphasizing a resemblance to Marlene Dietrich. Come appreciate the elegance of classic Hollywood in our high-quality photographic image of her magazine illustration below:

 ORIGINAL SIGNED PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF MARILYN MONROE, AS FEATURED IN LIFE MAGAZINE IN 1958

AMERICAN HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX - THE RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX COLLECTION

FORMER GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY "SPARS" WITH
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IN 2012 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

The 2012 Presidential Debates have drawn significant national attention in this election season. If we can set aside the rancor and “in-your-face” contentious behavior from both candidates, there is a more fundamental difference between the Presidential debates in 2012 then the very first ever televised debates between Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960.

IN 1960, THEN VICE PRESIDENT RICHARD M. NIXON FACES
MASSACHUSETTS SENATOR JOHN F. KENNEDY IN FIRST TELEVISED DEBATE

Today’s 24-hour news cycle and the advent of social media have propelled the national dialogue between presidential candidates to new heights. In addition to the obvious “one-upmanship” that both politicians tried to demonstrate during the 2012 debates, there was the media, the bloggers, and the social media world, that were waiting for either Romney or Obama to commit a major slip-up, a faux-pas, that could then be publicized to the rest of the world, all in real-time. No longer would the “oops!” moment have to wait to become headlines in the major newspapers across the country the next day. We found out about these erroneous or stretched truths almost immediately after the candidate misspoke.

AN ICON OF HIS ERA: PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY

In sharp contrast, in 1960’s first televised presidential debate between then Vice President Richard M. Nixon and Massachusetts's Senator,  John F. Kennedy, the debates relied on more traditional media channels, such as newspapers and radio, to reach the majority of Americans who were unable to tune in and watch the debates on their black and white television. For those fortunate citizens who could watch the debates on television, the exchange between the candidates was more civil (at least by today’s standards) and more formal in behavior and the presentation of ideas. Each understood the perceived power and influence that this new medium called television could have on the national election. That’s not to say neither Nixon nor Kennedy suppressed their strong opinions about each other, but they certainly didn’t allow themselves to get caught up in intense arguments. Also, each knew the other since January 20, 1947, as they were sworn in as Congressman that cold winter day.

PRESIDENT RICHARD M. NIXON IN HIS STATELY OFFICE

Back in 1960, people had to rely solely on newspapers, magazines, and radio to get their news. And because television was still in its infancy, although considered to be revolutionary at the time, it would be years after that, that watching regular news programming would became a part of our daily lives.

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY'S PRESCRIPTION READING GLASSES, A RARE GEM IN PRISTINE CONDITION, CAN BE VIEWED IN THE RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX PRESIDENTIAL COLLECTION. IT WAS WORN BY PRESIDENT KENNEDY, ALTHOUGH HE RARELY LET HIMSELF BE PHOTOGRAPHED WEARING THEM. THS FACTOID MAKES THIS UNIQUE FIND ALL THE MORE RARE AND VALUABLE.

In essence, the significant advances in technology continue to give rise to faster, more innovative communication methods, allowing important moments in our history, such as national presidential debates, to become more than just a headline in tomorrow’s newspaper. Our thirst for immediate knowledge, using social media for example, will allow for citizen journalists to stimulate conversations and discussions, as well as create controversy. Imagine how the presidential debate of 1960 would have been conducted had it had the advanced communications vehicles that we have today?

RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX,
ONE OF AMERICA'S FOREMOST COLLECTORS OF UNIQUE AND RARE HISTORICAL MEMORABILIA

The Gold Presidential Ring of John F. Kennedy's has recently been located.  The Presidents Ring is beautifully displayed in The American Heritage Collection (AKA) The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND HIS FIRST LADY ENJOY A MOMENT OF LEISURE

This dramatic Presidential Seal Ring, is 18 Karat Gold and was accomplished totally by hand by an unknown, as of this writing, highly skilled goldsmith. The artistic Presidential Seal 18k ring total hand-work is rather breathtaking. 

TOTALLY HAND-CRAFTED 18K GOLD RING OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY - AS VIEWED FROM THE TOP OF THE PERSONALIZED PRESIDENTIAL SEAL RING

According to the artistic and detailed hand-engraving on the interior of the President's 18K Ring, as well as the, even much more manifest evidence is the impeccable and detailed Provenance; on White House Stationery. This important letter, was authored by someone who saw President John F. Kennedy each day over a period of many years. The letter of Provenance outlines the details of this 1963 historic gift to The President from The First Lady.

INTERIOR HAND ENGRAVING DENOTING THE FIRST LADY'S GIFT TO PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY IN 1963

The important White House source of information was not certain of the exact date that First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy presented her husband with this important Presidential Seal Ring.  However, it was believed that the First Ladies gift was received by JFK sometime toward the end of 1963 – but perhaps as early as The President's May 29th Birthday.

JOHN F. KENNEDYS PRESIDENTIAL SEAL - 18 KARAT HAND-CRAFTED RING HAS LONG BEEN IN THE COLLECTION OF - HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX 2010

The Gold Presidential Ring of John F. Kennedy's was recently located.  The Presidents Ring is beautifully displayed in The American Heritage Collection (AKA) The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection. In the near future the President's Ring may possibly be made available to another advanced collector of note.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND HIS FIRST LADY ENJOY A MOMENT OF LEISURE

This dramatic Presidential Seal Ring, is 18 Karat Gold and was accomplished totally by hand by an unknown, as of this writing, highly skilled goldsmith. The artistic Presidential Seal 18k Ring total hand-work is rather breathtaking. 

TOTALLY HAND-CRAFTED 18K GOLD RING OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY - AS VIEWED FROM THE TOP OF THE PERSONALIZED PRESIDENTIAL SEAL RING

According to the artistic and detailed hand-engraving on the interior of the President's 18K Ring, as well as the, even much more manifest evidence is the impeccable and detailed Provenance - on White House Stationery. This Important Letter, was authored by someone who saw President John F. Kennedy each day, over a period of many years. The Letter of Provenance outlines the details of this 1963 Historic Gift to The President from The First Lady.

INTERIOR HAND ENGRAVING DENOTING THE FIRST LADY'S GIFT TO PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY IN 1963

The important White House source of information was not certain of the exact date that First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy presented her husband with this important Presidential Seal Ring.  However, it was believed that the First Ladies gift was received by JFK sometime toward the end of 1963 – but perhaps as early as The President's May 29th Birthday.

JOHN F. KENNEDYS PRESIDENTIAL SEAL - 18 KARAT HAND-CRAFTED RING HAS LONG BEEN IN THE COLLECTION OF - HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX 2010

A BOOKEND STRAIGHT FROM THE DESK OF JOHN F. KENNEDY

Evelyn Lincoln, Secretary to John F. Kennedy, for 12 historic years, led Raleigh DeGeer Amyx to a Bookend - straight from the Desk of J.F.K. Mrs. Lincoln presented J.F.K.'s Bookend to her friend, Mr. Amyx, along with detailed Historical Provenance on White House Stationary.

THE BOOKEND OF JOHN F. KENNEDY CAN BE SEEN ABOVE IN FRONT OF HIM - IN HIS UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE - 1960

The Gold and Black Bookend (8.25" x 6"), is in the design of a Wind-Swept Eagle, nestled above Golden Stars. J.F.K., an avid reader, would have found bookends an essential part of his daily and Political life. The J.F.K. Bookend is to be seen in front of Senator Kennedy, as well as the stunning Jacqueline Kennedy,  in the bottom center portion of the appealing  picture above.

EVELYN LINCOLN - SECRETARY TO PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY FOR 12 YEARS - LATER MRS. LINCOLN BEFRIENDED HISTORIAN & COLLECTOR -  RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX

Currently, President John F. Kennedy's Bookend is in The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection (a.k.a.) The American Heritage Collection - where it has been for over a quarter of a century. One day soon this historic Kennedy piece of historical memorabilia will be shared with an Institution or another collector of note.

HISTORIAN & COLLECTOR - RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX 2010

FOUR INDIVIDUALLY DISTINCTIVE GOLF BALLS STRAIGHT FROM THE GOLF BAG OF JFK

Featured above are four different examples of Golf Balls from the golf  bag of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. All of them were owned and used by JFK and presented to Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, by someone who saw and was near President Kennedy on a daily basis.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TAKES TO THE LINKS

Examples shown, feature a Golf Ball Monogrammed “JFK”, “Mr. President”, “John F. Kennedy” and “President Kennedy”. A Rare quadruple combination, to say the least; of four different examples that President John F. Kennedy chose to use, as JFK attacked the golf course of his Pleasure. These were not meant to be gift golf balls. They were meant for the exclusive use of The President.

PRESIDENT JOHN. F. KENNEDY CAPTURED IN A MOMENT OF RELAXED DEMEANOR

All golf balls featured have been in The Collection of Raleigh DeGeer Amyx (a.k.a.) The American Heritage Collection for approximately a quarter of a century. In the near future they will be shared with an Institution or with another noted collector.

HISTORIAN & COLLECTOR - RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX 2011

THE PERSONAL MONOGRAMMED CIGAR - AND POCKET HANKY - OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY

A VIVID CLOSE-UP OF THE MONOGRAMMED CIGAR OF  PRESIDENT  JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY

Before John F. Kennedy Signed the Executive Order Concerning The Cuban Embargo, he did not do so until he had on hand a Good Supply of Cuban Cigars. Mrs. Lincoln also Presented Raleigh DeGeer Amyx with one of the President’s Monogrammed “J.F.K.” Handkerchiefs shown at top.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY AT WORK WITH EVELYN LINCOLN IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Mrs. Lincoln (Pictured above with JFK) began her Service
with JFK while he was a Member of The United States Congress.
Evelyn Lincoln stayed with J.F.K. while he was a United States Senator
as well as the President of the United States. All together they were working hand in hand for 12 years. Mrs. Lincon also accompanied President Kennedy when he left the Oval Office for Dallas November 1963. Days and days of Extraordinary sadness were to follow.

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY - AS HE SMOKES CIGAR - J.F.K. NEARLY ALWAYS WORE CUFF LINKS WITH HIS TAILOR MADE SUITS

Following the Presidents Assassination, on November 22nd, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Requested that Evelyn Lincoln move nearby, to her Home, in Georgetown (D.C.), and while there Mrs. Lincoln Assisted Mrs. Kennedy in a Miriad of Ways and Worked Diligently on Personal JFK Items Destined for The JFK Presidential Library.

THE PRESIDENT WITH HIS CIGAR WHILE ABOARD "THE HONEY FITZ"

However, Mrs. Lincoln's relationship with the former First Lady, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, did not have the same warmth as did hers with the Former President.

JOHN F. KENNEDY LIGHTS UP CIGAR - WITH HIS CLOSE FRIEND SENATOR GEORGE SMATHERS OF FLORIDA - IN THEIR BACHELOR DAYS JFK AND SMATHERS SHARED A TOWNHOUSE IN UPSCALE GEORGETOWN (WASHINGTON D.C.)

For the past 25 plus years the President's Cigar and Hanky have been in The Collection of Raleigh DeGeer Amyx (a.k.a.) The American Heritage Collection. Mr. Amyx was fortuante in that Mrs. Lincoln presented, to his well known collection, a number of The President's personal possessions. In the near future these items may possibly be shared with another collector of note.

HISTORIAN & COLLECTOR - RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX 2010