Kennedy John

John F. Kennedy's Personally Owned Cigar, Handsomely Presented

 

An unopened cigar once given to 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) by a Philippine Ambassador to the United States, handsomely presented in a striking, ready-to-hang framed display. The Coronas Alhambra cigar is mounted in a shadowbox opening below a glossy color photo of Kennedy smoking a cigar, and above an engraved plaque below. Matted and framed behind glass. In near fine condition. Overall measures 14.5" x 21.75" x 1".

 

The cigar is still stored in a cellophane sheath printed in gold lettering: “SPECIALLY MADE FOR / PRESIDENT KENNEDY.” Under its red and gold label and black band inscribed “Choicest Philippine Tobacco / Sumatra Wrapper," the cigar appears fresh and dry, measuring 5.5" long.

 

The 8" x 10" color photograph above shows President Kennedy smoking a cigar while reading the sports section of The New York Times on Saturday, August 31, 1963. The President was enjoying a few moments of leisure time aboard the Presidential yacht Honey Fitz, then floating off the coast of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts on Labor Day weekend.

 

The plaque below is engraved: "John F. Kennedy Personally Owned Cigar 'The Best in the World' received after he banned importation of all Cuban products including cigars and just after the Cuban Missile Crises. Included is a photograph purchased from the JFK Library."

 

President John F. Kennedy had been receiving cigars as gifts from Filipino Presidents and Ambassadors since his inauguration, as revealed by material found in the collection of the JFK Presidential Library & Museum. The lot is accompanied by photocopies of some of the most pertinent letters, organized in chronological order from April 1961 to January 1963:

 

(1) Letter from Carlos P. Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, dated April 16, 1961, to President Kennedy: “When the Manila papers recently published a picture of yours holding a cigar, a Philippine newspaper suggested that it may be a good idea to let you sample what we believe are the best cigars in the world. President Garcia has asked me to extend to you his personal greetings and to present you with these boxes of Philippine cigars with his compliments and best wishes. I should have presented them to you personally but knowing how budgeted your time is and how critical these days are, rather than add to your heavy schedule I sent them to Secretary Salinger with the request that they be handed to you…”

 

(2) Two retained unsigned letters from President Kennedy to Romulo and President of the Philippines Carlos P. Garcia, each dated May 1, 1961, sending thanks for the cigars.

 

(3) Internal White House staff memos and notes, circa Spring and Summer 1961, referring to Romulo's gift.

 

4) Letter from Romulo to Press Secretary Pierre Salinger dated July 19, 1961: “I have just returned from the Philippines and I bring with me the best cigars in the World – our Philippine cigars – and I am sending you these two boxes, one for the President and the other one for you, with my best wishes. With cordial personal regards…”

 

5) Retained unsigned letter from President Kennedy to Romulo, dated August 14, 1961: “Many, many thanks for the fine cigars that you sent to Mr. Salinger for me. I am most appreciative of your thoughtfulness. With every good wish.”

 

6) Letter from President Kennedy to Amelito R. Mutuc, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, dated January 21, 1963: “Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received the handsome, personalized, mahogany box of very fine cigars that you so thoughtfully sent to me. It was indeed kind of you to send such a generous supply of this excellent product. I know I will enjoy them and consider your gift another demonstration of the warm friendship existing between our countries. With appreciation and every good wish to you and your family. Sincerely, John F. Kennedy.”

 

A superb piece of Kennedyiana, perfect for any cigar enthusiast!

 

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