LOT RR Auction  /  RR Auction Quality Autograph Auction 358  / 

93

John F. Kennedy

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
John F. Kennedy

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Auction Date:2010 Jun 16 @ 10:00 (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
Bid online at www.rrauction.com. Auction closes June 16.

Partly-printed DS as president, one page both sides, 9 x 13.25, April 2, 1963. Presidential pardon issued to Mary Ascani reads, in part: “Whereas Mary Ascani…was convicted in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California on counts 1 and 2 of an indictment…charging violation of Sections 371 and 545, Title 18, United States Code, and on September twenty-fourth, 1956, was sentenced to pay a fine of six hundred dollars ($600) and was also placed on probation for five years; and Whereas the said Mary Ascani duly paid the fine and satisfactorily complied with the conditions of probation…Whereas it has been made to appear that the said Mary Ascani is a fit object of Executive clemency. Now, therefore, be it known, that I, John F. Kennedy, president of the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, divers other good and sufficient reasons me thereunto moving; do hereby grant unto the said Mary Ascani, now known as Mary Ascani Doughty, a full and unconditional pardon.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink, “John F. Kennedy,” and countersigned by Attorney General “Robert F. Kennedy.” Cloth matted and framed, so both sides may be seen, along with a portrait of the Kennedy brothers, to an overall size of 22.5 x 22. In fine, clean condition, with central horizontal fold. The gold foil seal is intact, crisp, and bright. Accompanied by a small folder of copies and originals of supporting documentation and correspondence regarding the pardon, as well as an 22-minute audio CD of a tape made by Ascani relating the story of her pardon. The audio of her story is available for listening at rrauction.com.

At one time, Ascani and her husband owned the largest pet shop in Los Angeles, specializing in exotic birds. They eventually became involved in smuggling birds into the United States from Mexico through the use of two airplanes and “mules.” After surveillance by federal authorities, an indictment was handed down on March 1, 1956 for violating Section 545, Title 18 of the United States Code. On September 24, 1956, the court sentenced both Mary and her husband to a $1000 fine and two years probation. Fortunately, their lawyer, Dick Rogan, was good friends with, and a former schoolmate of, President Kennedy, and related their story to him during a trip to the White House. Kennedy found the story humorous, referred to the couple as “daring,” and insisted on meeting them. They flew to Washington and were transported by limousine to the White House to meet with Kennedy and his brother, at which time they both signed this pardon. An uncommon and desirable combination, backed with a personal account from the party involved, makes for a particularly interesting and unique Kennedy presidential document.
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