Archive of Kennedy photos and artifacts open to bidding through May 18

RR Auction has curated an once-in-a-lifetime auction of Kennedy artifacts, signed material, and photographs. This is to commemorate the anniversary of JFK’s 100th birthday on May 29, 2017.

The more than 175 lots include items from JFK’s early years. In addition, memorabilia of his congressional and senatorial careers is . Plus, items from ‘The 1,000 Days of Camelot' are present. The special online offering is open to bidding now and will conclude on May 18, 2017.

A maternity dress worn by Jackie Kennedy while pregnant with John Jr. is a headlining lot. The sale closes May 18.

Jackie's Maternity Dress Garnering Bidder Attention

A highlight includes; Jacqueline Kennedy's gray maternity dress worn two months prior to delivering JFK, Jr., and her husband winning the presidency.

The lightweight wool dress features three-quarter-length sleeves, two pocket flaps, eight double-breasted buttons, and "Lord & Taylor, Fifth Avenue" and "Ma Mere" tags sewn into the cowl neck collar. Included with the dress are two vintage glossy black-and-white photographs. The photos show Kennedy wearing the dress and working with her personal secretary, Mary Barelli Gallagher. The photos were taken by Edward Clark and used for an article in Life Magazine during John F. Kennedy's historic presidential campaign.

Provenance Speaks to History-Making Time for Kennedy

First generation 8” x 10” silver gelatin photograph printed from the original negative, depicting John F. Kennedy sitting on a table in his Beacon Hill apartment. This image was used as an 'official' portrait photograph for Kennedy's 1952 senatorial campaign. (All photos courtesy RR Auction)

Accompanied by two letters of provenance from Gallagher for the dress and the photos, in part: "The dress was acquired from Jacqueline B. Kennedy during one of her regular, periodic, closet-cleaning sessions at her Georgetown/White House/Georgetown residences. Given the timeframe of these photographs, Kennedy was well into her pregnancy and only two months removed from delivering her second child, John F. Kennedy, Jr., on November 25, 1960, just three weeks after her husband won the 1960 presidential election. For a brief period, Jackie wore this svelte and subtle dress with the unique understanding that she would soon be named First Lady of the United States.”

“An incredible rarity dating to a truly significant time in the lives of both John and Jackie Kennedy,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.

Brooch Gifted by Jackie Also On Offer

Also featured, a beautiful emerald and pearl brooch presented to Gallagher by Jacqueline Kennedy as a Christmas gift in 1960. Included with the brooch is the original handwritten note from Jacqueline Kennedy, penned on an off-white 4 x 3 card, in full: "Merry Christmas Mary and lots of love, Jackie." Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in Kennedy's own hand, "Mrs Mary Gallagher, c/o John F. Kennedy, 3307 N St NW, Washington DC," as well as a letter of provenance from Gallagher.

An additional highlight consists of an incredible assortment of historic Kennedy photographs from The Ronnie Paloger Collection. The 100 lots of photographs depict a fascinating and crucial period in JFK’s life from 1946–1953, chronicling JFK’s first political congressional campaign of 1946, his run for U.S. senator in 1952, and his marriage to Jackie in 1953.

Presidential Photos Provide Unique Glimpse Into JFK's Life

LIFE magazine has featured six of these photographs in a twelve-page ‘photo essay’ chapter in their

One of the most iconic Kennedy photos, 20” x 24” silver gelatin photograph printed from the original 4” x 5” negative, showing Jackie sliding down the hill after taking wedding party photos on the 300 acre ocean front estate Hammersmith Farm, where the wedding reception was held on September 12, 1953, JFK is seen holding her hand and Ted Kennedy is seen directly behind her.

‘special edition’ commemorating JFK’s centennial birthday.

“Overall these photographs are the best quality and assortment of rare and mostly unseen images of JFK that we have ever offered,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.

JFK is seen in ‘official’ portrait photographs from both campaigns, marching in parades, participating in political rallies, visiting factories and local neighborhoods, meeting with ‘youth,’ ‘ethnic,’ and ’vet’ groups,’ giving speeches, seen with President Truman and Adlai Stevenson, and with baseball greats Ted Williams and Hank Greenberg.

JFK is also seen sharing both of his political victories with his loyal and dedicated staff of volunteers who played such a major role in both campaigns. These campaigns are a far cry from the national roll out that the Kennedy juggernaut used in Kennedy’s successful 1960 presidential campaign. There are also fantastic images from JFK’s marriage to Jackie in 1953.