JAMES K. POLK and JAMES BUCHANAN Polk as President, and Buchanan as Secretary of State, sign the "full and unconditional pardon" (10x17) of convicted burglar Robert Scott, June 1, 1848. Polk's signature is scarce! Presidential Pardon signed: "James K. Polk" as President, "James Buchanan" as Secretary of State, 10x17½. City of Washington, 1848 June 1. Robert Scott, convicted of burglary by the Criminal Court of the District of Columbia in its June session, 1844 and sentenced to a term of four years imprisonment, is granted a "full and unconditional pardon" on the recommendation of the Warden and Physician of the (un-named) penitentiary, and "considering that the ends of justice have probably been obtained in this case". Official seal affixed in lower left. Democrat JAMES K. POLK was Governor of Tennessee from 1839-1841. He lost reelection bids in 1841 and 1843. In 1844, after being nominated as a "dark horse" at the Democratic National Convention, Polk defeated Whig Henry Clay and was elected 11th U.S. President. read more...

JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS She has penned (but not signed) this very moving reminiscence of "happy summer evenings at the Cape … eating Mathilda's fish chowder" with JFK and his father, when "touched by destiny" was thought to mean "only happy things." Autograph Manuscript unsigned but with "Kennedy" twice in text, 1 page, 8x12½. No place, no date but written in the 1960s. In full: "4. Now Mr Kennedy is sick and Jack is gone. Mr Kennedy had seen Jack nearly die so many times. He used to say that Jack was touched by destiny. But those were happy summer evenings at the Cape when he came there, when we were all eating Mathilda's fish chowder - and you thought that meant only happy things - to be touched by destiny. Dear Grandpa - you brought all the joy to my life - more than one should dare to hope to have - and because of that - all the pain. I will remember you - and I will love you until I die." Born Jacqueline Bouvier in 1929, Jackie married John F. Kennedy in 1953. read more...

GEORGE W. BUSH, RUDY GIULIANI, HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, GEORGE PATAKI and MICHAEL BLOOMBERG This white hard hat, used during the clean-up of Ground Zero at New York's destroyed Twin Towers, was signed by President George W. Bush, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, New York Governor George Pataki, United States Senator from New York Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michael Bloomberg, who succeeded Giuliani as mayor. Except for Bloomberg, all the signers on this helmet were in office during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Helmet inscribed and signed: "to Michael/ Best/Wishes/ George W Bush", "Rudy Giuliani", "Hillary Rodham Clinton", "George Pataki" and "Michael Bloomberg". White helmet with logo of New York City DOT [Department of Transportation] on front. Green decal imprinted "Track Safety MTA NYC 2001" affixed on back, three pieces of yellow reflecting tape affixed at both sides and on back. On the ill-fated day of read more...

GEORGE WASHINGTON Four years before he took command of American forces at Boston, the future President signs a receipt for the purchase of oyster shells Receipt signed in text: "George Washington", 1 page, 6½x2½. Matted and framed to an overall size of 13¼x20½. No place, 1771 July 10. In a business dealing with an illiterate man, Washington writes his own name and also the name of the oyster dealer, next to the latter's mark. In full: "Received from George Washington One pound seven shillings and three pence in full for the within shells. Chas his mark [showing] Lewis". Also docked by Washington at right margin: "No. 68 Ch Lewis/L1"7"0/10 July 1771/L". George Washington (1732-1799), who became known as the "Father of His Country", set precedents for future Presidents by limiting his service as first U.S. President to two terms, and - indeed - by refusing to seek a kingship. A delegate to the Continental Congress from Virginia (1774-1775) and member of the U.S. read more...

KENNEDY FAMILY ARCHIVE Collection of nearly 80 personal items spanning almost a century, most of which were the personal mementoes of Mary Loretta Connelly, Joseph P. Kennedy's sister. Included are many signed letters from the family patriarch, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.; items signed by John, Robert and Ted Kennedy and spouses Jackie, Ethel and Joan; mementoes associated with the eldest Kennedy brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr; items connected with Kennedy sisters Pat, Eunice, Jean and Kathleen; and souvenirs of the next generation of Kennedy's: JFK Jr., Caroline Kennedy, and their cousin Joseph Kennedy II and Ted Kennedy, Jr. Most of the items in this remarkable collection of Kennedy family history come from Kerry McCarthy, the granddaughter of Joseph P. Kennedy's sister Mary Loretta (Kennedy) Connelly, and herself a well-known and respected political activist. They have been in her family for many years. Additional well authenticated items offered here to round out the collection are JFK's clipped signature, the handwritten manuscript by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the photographs of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Joseph Kennedy II, and the invitation to a Kennedy Presidential Library event signed by Caroline Kennedy. read more...

RONALD REAGAN Handwritten letter as President of the United States to Lydia "Hup" MacArthur, the widow of Peter MacArthur, who gave Reagan his first job as a 21 year old Sports Announcer in Davenport, Iowa. Autograph Letter signed: "Dutch", 1 page, 5¾x4. Washington, D.C., 1988 August 2. On White House Letterhead to his friend Lydia "Hup" MacArthur. In full: "I've just sent a note to Myrtle. I hope I have the right address 'Polk City Manor.' I used my recent visit to WOC's new studio in Davenport as my excuse for writing-the memories & all. it does seem terrible to think of her as being down & not the life of the party. I'm glad to hear you are well. Give Dottie my very best regards. Nancy sends her greetings to you." Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) had two careers: actor and politician. His first movie was Love is on the Air (1937) and his 53rd and last film was The Killers (1964). In 1965, he wrote his autobiography, Where's the Rest of Me?, a line from his role as Drake McHugh in King's Row (1942). read more...

WARREN G. HARDING Rare signed, 4-page autograph letter to his wife during a vacation with Senate colleagues in Augusta, Georgia, describing the good food and his golf and poker winnings and losses Rare ALS: "W.G.", 4 pages, 6x9½, separate sheets. On pictorial stationery of the Hotel Bon Air, Winter Resort, Augusta, Ga., picturing golfers and motorists. Friday eve, no date but circa 1917-1920. To his wife, Florence. In full: "Am tired tonight. Played 36 holes again today - a foursome over the hill course this morning and two threesomes in match play over the Lake course this p.m. Made a good score this morning and gathered in $17.50. Played like a dub this pm and lost $12.50. Only five to the good for the day. We had poker last night. I fared well. No complaint to make. My luck came back for one evening. We see very little of Mrs. Frelinghuysen - only at lunch. She breakfasts and dines in her room, and spends her time with the nurse. So far as I can observe, she sees little of Joe except when he sleeps. Really we are busy all the while. We go to golf after breakfast, return for lunch, start again at 5, and get in time for a bath, then dinner. After dinner & scribble you a line, then it is cards till bed time, and so it goes. read more...

AIR FORCE ONE: RICHARD NIXON, GERALD FORD, JIMMY CARTER, RONALD REAGAN, GEORGE H. W. BUSH AND BILL CLINTON This 20x16 color photo of Air Force One has been signed by three decades of presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton. These are all six men to hold the office of President of the United States between 1969 to 2000. Large Photograph signed: "Bill Clinton/4-4-94" as President, "George Bush", "Ronald Reagan", "Jimmy Carter", "Gerald Ford" and "Richard Nixon". Color, 20x16. The six U.S. Presidents who served from 1969-2000 have signed this photograph of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 aircraft that was extensively modified to meet presidential requirements. This photograph was taken sometime in 1977 or early 1978. The logo above the tail number was the logo for the U.S. Air Force's 30th Anniversary in 1977. It was in use until 1989 when it was replaced by a Boeing 747. The original paint scheme of Air Force One was designed at the request of President John F. Kennedy, who wanted the airplane to reflect the nation's spirit. read more...

WARREN HARDING Archive of letters written by and to the President, his aides and sister, including a letter offering evidence to refute Nan Britton's claim that Harding was father of her child. Accompanying memorabilia includes vintage photos of Harding, and passes signed by two prominent US Senators. Collection includes: 1) Autograph Letter signed: "W.G.H.", 1 page, 5½x6¾ with blank integral leaf. No place, May 22, n. d., but with original mailing envelope postmarked Washington, D.C., May 22, 1917. To Mrs. Charles Williamson, in full: "Thank you for your note and clipping. Am glad to have both. Funny thing - I have a letter from California signed Ruth Williamson, who writes as though she knows me. Isn't that your daughter's name? But surely your daughter is not that far away. I am to be in New York either on Thursday, 24th, or Tuesday, 29th. One or the other is sure, possibly both. I'll be delighted to look you up. With assurances of high esteem, I am sincerely yours". Multiple mailing folds. Toned at folds. Multiple minor ink smudges. Otherwise, fine condition. 2) Autograph Letter signed: "Your Friend" [Harding], 2 pages (integral leaf), 4¾x6½. read more...