Circa 1941 John F. Kennedy Autograph Letter from Stanford

Sold For:

$2,088

Year:

1941

Auction:

2005 Spring

Lot #:

1328

Category:

Featured

Incredibly early handwritten John F. Kennedy letter, dating from JFK's days at Stanford University, circa 1941. From the time a person attains fame until his death many signed collectibles are saved. However, signed pieces dating from before that person's ascension into public view are often much harder to come by. Offered here is an extremely early handwritten letter by President John F. Kennedy penned while doing graduate studies at Stanford University in California. The future President entered Stanford's business school in the fall of 1940, following his graduation from Harvard. Dating to 1940 or 1941, the letter, flawlessly written on two sides of a single sheet of Stanford University stationery (7 x 10.5 inches), reads in full: "Dear Mr. Goldsmith: Thank you very much for sending me the issue of the Foreign Policy Bulletin - I appreciate your interest very much. Hope to see you down South this winter as I expect to get back for Christmas Best Jack K." ("10"). Mr. Goldsmith was an old family friend of the Kennedy's hence the informal signature. The letter is on high-quality stationery that has served its preservation well. There is a small piece torn from the upper left-hand corner. JFK's large handwriting and spacing make this letter easily legible and aesthetically strong. Two creases incurred in mailing are also present, but again do not affect the handwriting or signature. Late in 1941 Kennedy would leave Stanford and volunteer for the armed forces. Written nearly twenty years before he entered the White House, this is the earliest and most interesting example of John F. Kennedy's hand we have ever seen. Very Good/Excellent condition. LOA from James Spence, Steve Grad & John Reznikoff/PSA DNA. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$4,000. SOLD FOR $2,088.00