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John F. Kennedy

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
John F. Kennedy

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Auction Date:2019 Oct 10 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:15th Floor WeWork, 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
Swimming trunks personally-owned and -worn by President John F. Kennedy, which were recovered from the presidential yacht 'Honey Fitz.' The striped green-and-brown polyester swim trunks, size Large (38–40), with zippered fly section, buttoned waistband, and right hip pocket, feature a B.V.D. brand tag sewn above inner lining. In fine condition.

Kennedy’s affinity for the water derives from his close proximity to the New England coast and summers spent diving from the Hyannis Port shoreline. In November 1937, a 20-year-old Kennedy managed to earn himself a place on the Harvard varsity swimming team where he competed in the backstroke event. His strong abilities as a swimmer would later save his life and the lives of his fellow crewmembers during World War II, when the PT-109 boat he commanded was sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri.

According to close friend and special assistant Dave Powers, President Kennedy enjoyed some of his fondest moments aboard the ‘Honey Fitz.’ He spent Easter and Christmas on the boat in Palm Beach, Florida, and in September and October he took the vessel to Hammersmith Farm in Newport, Rhode Island. Although the ‘Honey Fitz’ was used primarily for family and close friends, dignitaries visited from time to time, with documentation confirming that the boat was also used to transfer guests down the Potomac River to Mount Vernon for one of President Kennedy's State dinners.

These trunks originate from the collection of Lieutenant Henry E. Hirschy, Jr., a Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. His duties also included taking care of the president’s needs on overseas trips, aboard the presidential yachts, and at Camp David. Lt. Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961 through May 31, 1965, and his official White House ID card is included with the offered lot. Provenance: Guernsey's Auction, Kennedy Era: The Collection, Lot 402.