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John F. Kennedy’s Monogrammed Shaving Kit Used as President

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA
John F. Kennedy’s Monogrammed Shaving Kit Used as President

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Auction Date:2013 Oct 24 @ 12:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:60 School Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, 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
Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used monogrammed brass shaving set. This set, made by Gillette, consists of a double-edge razor, two identical size round containers, one for powder and one to house a small brush (brush not present), both monogrammed, and two small rectangular container for replacement blades, also monogrammed. All the items are housed in their original satin-lined leather case, marked “Gillette,” on the lining, with red velvet holders for each piece, which measures 4 x 5 x 1.75. Accompanied by a June 30, 1982 letter of provenance, written on White House stationery, from longtime White House maid Viola Wise which reads, in part: “The handsome Gillette shaving kit, made up of four ‘gold’ pieces…was owned and used by John F. Kennedy. Each piece is handsomely engraved ‘J. F. K.’…While the President may have used this some as President, I was told at the time it was given to me, that President Kennedy had owned it since he was a young man. Therefore, he also would have used the set in the 1930’s, 1940’s, and 1950’s. It was given to me by the President’s valet, George Thomas, in late November 1963. Following the President’s assassination, it was up to George Thomas (valet) to sort out many of the President belongings for preparation for leaving the White House with Mrs. Kennedy and the children…I was terribly fond of the President and Mrs. Kennedy. I was blessed with being so close to the family. A few other mementoes were given to me but this shaving kit was the finest because it was used so frequently by our late President.” In fine condition, with expected wear to case, a bit of light crazing near hinge, and some normal tarnish to areas of brass. A very personal and fashionably elegant memento which exemplifies Kennedy’s class and refinement. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.