Kennedy Collection Up for Auction

Dec. 14, 2005 — -- Many people know that John F. Kennedy was the youngest American president ever elected. They also know his family -- an American political dynasty -- is often thought of as American royalty. Many people do not know, however, that Kennedy was a chronic doodler.

Many of Kennedy's personal memorabilia -- including the doodles he drew on White House stationery during the Cuban Missile Crisis -- will be auctioned in New York City from Dec. 15 to 17.

All but 5 percent of the auction, which features 1,800 lots, comes from the Robert White Collection, which includes the former president's drawings of sailboats and his children. Bids can also be placed on eBay in January. The auction is expected to take in between $5 million and $10 million.

"This collection is the most famous Kennedy collection in the world -- apart from the one in the Kennedy Museum," said Arlan Ettinger, president and founder of Guernsey's Auction House. Many of the items were given to Robert White by Kennedy's longtime secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, Ettinger said.

In addition to the wealth of historical items, the auction features personal things -- like the president and first lady's passports. One can even see where Jackie Kennedy crossed out her maiden name, Bouvier, and wrote in her married name. Also up for bidding is the watch the president wore during his 1961 inauguration speech. It was a gift from friend Ambassador Grant Stockdale.

Other items include a sailboat that the 19-year-old Kennedy bought with his brother Joe Kennedy Jr., who died in World War II. Jackie Kennedy later gave a similar boat to their son John F. Kennedy Jr., which is also being auctioned.

From the darker side of the Kennedy legacy, there are items related to the president's 1963 assassination including the itinerary for that November day and the flags on the limo he was riding in when he was shot to death. There is also a note from the first lady that reads: "There will never be another Camelot."

Some of the items have potential to be quite affordable as there is no reserve, which means there is no minimum price, Ettinger said.