Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Sotheby’s is auctioning a cache of memorabilia from JFK’s defense secretary, Robert S. McNamara. See photos.
Lot 7: Kennedy, John F., and Robert S. McNamara
Color photograph of John F. Kennedy and Robert S. McNamara on the White House portico, inscribed by President Kennedy: For Bob McNamara │with highest esteem │John F. Kennedy Est. $3/4,000
Courtesy of SothebyâÃÂÃÂs
Lot 13: Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy
Autograph letter signed, two pages in a revealing letter of thanks and encouragement to Robert McNamara, the first lady provides a candid look at the chaotic state of the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Est. $5/7,000
Courtesy of SothebyâÃÂÃÂs
Lot 21: Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy
Autograph letter signed, 10 pages, Dec. 11, 1963, to Marjorie McNamara; Mrs. Kennedy graciously declines a gift “from the man in his cabinet who gave the most (as much as Jack’s own brother Bobby gave).” Est. $6/8,000
Courtesy of SothebyâÂÂs
Lot 14: Cuban Missile Crisis calendar paperweight presented to Secretary McNamara by President Kennedy.
One of the rarest and most significant of presidential gifts. Est. $15/25,000
Courtesy of SothebyâÃÂÃÂs
Lot 33: Secretary McNamara's Department of Defense flag:
50 inches (hoist) x 65 inches (fly). Pole: 99 inches. Est. $10/15,000
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Lot 73: The Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction Est. $5/7,000
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Lot 41: Johnson, Lyndon B., 36th President
Color photograph of President Johnson and Secretary McNamara walking under the east portico of the White House, c. 1965, with lengthy inscription on the mat by President Johnson. Est. $2,500/3,500
Courtesy of SothebyâÃÂÃÂs
Lot 79: Political Cartoon by Newton Truitt, 1961–1968
A group of approximately 121 political cartoons (most original art world in pen and ink, a few reproductions) by Gene Basset, Herb Block, Paul Conrad, Gib Crockett, Jon Kennedy, Bill Mauldin, Pat Oliphant, Newton Truitt, and many others, of which 55 are inscribed to Secretary McNamara. Housed in three albums with brass plaque labels on the front covers. Est. $25/35,000
Courtesy of SothebyâÂÂs
Lot 79: Political Cartoon by Gene Basset, 1961–1968
A group of approximately 121 political cartoons (most original art world in pen and ink, a few reproductions) by Gene Basset, Herb Block, Paul Conrad, Gib Crockett, Jon Kennedy, Bill Mauldin, Pat Oliphant, Newton Truitt, and many others, of which 55 are inscribed to Secretary McNamara. Housed in three albums with brass plaque labels on the front covers. Est. $25/35,000
Courtesy of SothebyâÂÂs
