September 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, September 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
Large lot of 18 items originating from the estate of William H. Perkins, Jr., a public safety lobbyist who received the Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award in 1993. Lot is mostly comprised of Presidential signed photos, spanning the administrations of Harry Truman to George H.W. Bush, and also includes a special U.S. flag, letter signed by Eleanor Roosevelt, and other items. Unless otherwise noted, photos are inscribed to either Bill or Gary Douglas Perkins, and items are in very good condition. In chronological order, lot includes:
(1) Typed letter signed by Harry Truman as President, dated 19 April 1945, exactly one week after he assumed office. On White House stationery, Truman writes to Illinois Governor Dwight Green. Framed with a photo of Truman and LBJ to a size of 21'' x 17''.
(2) Harry Truman uninscribed signed photo measuring 13.5'' x 10.75'', upon which other men involved in Democratic politics sign (who inscribe their signatures). Mounted to board. Matte photo has heavy creasing, good condition.
(3) Harry Truman signed photo as President. Semi-matte photo measures 11'' x 14'', with accompanying letter on White House stationery.
(4) Harry Truman signed 8'' x 10'' matte photo, uninscribed.
(5) Harry Truman signed 11'' x 14'' photo, dated 2 October 1962. Stuck to glass from previous framing at top, good condition.
(6) Dwight Eisenhower signed 14'' x 11'' matte photo.
(7) Invitation and program to the second inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on 21 January 1957. Framed to 18'' x 22'' with photos of President Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon.
(8) Eleanor Roosevelt letter signed upon her personal stationery. Dated 10 December 1957, Mrs. Roosevelt regrets the condition of a photo she's returning, writing ''I have recently changed staff in the country and perhaps this is the cause.''
(9) Lyndon B. Johnson signed board measuring 11'' x 14'', to which is affixed a semi-matte photo measuring 7.5'' x 9.5''.
(10) Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey matte photo measuring 9.5'' x 10.5'', signed by each man on the mat measuring 11'' x 14''. Humphrey inscribes his signature, LBJ does not.
(11) Hubert Humphrey signed 8'' x 10'' matte photo.
(12) J. Edgar Hoover matte color photo measuring 6.5'' x 8'', signed by the FBI director on the mat measuring 8.5'' x 11''. Accompanied by letter signed by Hoover on FBI stationery dated 13 May 1968.
(13) U.S. flag made of cloth, framed to 20'' x 21'' with documents certifying the flag few over the Capitol on the day of President Gerald Ford's inauguration. Not examined out of frame, but flag appears near fine.
(14) Gerald Ford signed copies of a letter and White House press release regarding the rescue of the crew aboard the SS Mayaguez. Matted together to a size of 14'' x 11''.
(15) Jimmy Carter signed 14'' x 11'' semi-mate photo, uninscribed.
(16) Jimmy Carter signed 8'' x 10'' silk-finish photo.
(17) Ted Kennedy signed 9'' x 12'' glossy photo, uninscribed.
(18) George H.W. Bush 10'' x 8'' silk-finish photo signed as President, with a card reading ''The President''. Photo is uninscribed.
In addition to receiving the Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian award, William Perkins was the driver for Lord Halifax during World War II, and was present for the signing of the United Nations charter as a result. He was the first lobbyist in the state of Illinois and shepherded the field of event insurance, including the first instance of insuring Presidential inaugurations. All items are from the collection of William H. Perkins, Jr.
Large Lot of Presidential Signed Photos & Memorabilia - From Harry Truman to George H.W. Bush, Including U.S. Flag That Flew Over the Capitol on the Day of Gerald Ford's Inauguration
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