Auction Date:2011 Apr 13 @ 19:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TLS signed “Ike E,” one page, 7 x 10, personal letterhead, June 1, 1948. Letter to Mary Naiden. In full: “I read your letter with great interest, and, as you requested, I am returning the clipping you enclosed. My present situation becomes daily more involved–I am finding it more and more necessary to avoid additional responsibility wherever added demands upon my time are indicated. Consequently, whatever I am able to do personally is bound to be more ‘moral support’ than active participation. However, I shall have the talk with Mr. Watson that you suggest, and I shall leave no doubt in his mind as to the interest I take in citizenship training and education. I hope that Mamie and I get to see you before you leave for Japan, but should we fail to do so, both of us will be hoping that you have a pleasant and profitable tour of service in that region.” Matted and framed with a January 1, 1945, Time magazine cover honoring Eisenhower as Man of the Year to an overall size of 24 x 18.5. In fine condition, with scattered creases (and the letter and cover apparently removably shrink-wrapped prior to framing).
This intriguing letter hints at the earliest presidential aspirations of Eisenhower. “Mr. Watson” was Thomas John Watson, Sr., president of IBM who oversaw the company’s growth for decades. It’s interesting to note that Watson, the computer of recent Jeopardy fame, was named after him. With a reputation as an extraordinary salesman, it was Watson who ‘sold’ Ike as president of Columbia University, a post he assumed in October 1948. Before long, many journalists speculated that Watson was preparing Eisenhower to run for president—and that the Columbia position was a ruse to give Eisenhower breathing room before the campaign began—despite his proclamation here that “I am finding it more and more necessary to avoid additional responsibility wherever added demands upon my time are indicated.” Despite many politic activists begging Watson to woo Eisenhower into the race, the general stayed out of the political process during the 1948 campaign, but roared back in 1952. A great letter written during that brief span between the end of World War II and the start of Ike’s presidency.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
Buyer's Premium
A 20% buyer's premium will be added to each winning bid, with a 2% discount for those paying by check, cash, or money order.
Your bid is a contract
Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 353 is due by Monday, April 25, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges.
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
You can call us or email us if you'd like us to answer questions about these items.