Description:

Ronald Reagan
[Washington, DC], n.d.
(2) Ronald Reagan ALSs, Connection to GOP VA Senate Nominee Richard Obenshain
ALSs

Two autograph letters signed by sitting 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) on a single sheet of paper, the first one signed as "Ron" and the second one signed as "RR". N.d. [Washington, D.C.] Inscribed in black ink on a single sheet of yellow blue-lined red-ruled paper, with a perforated top edge. The combined approximate word count for the two letters is 164 words inscribed in Reagan's hand, with several cross-outs and rewrites. These letter drafts were later typed, signed, and sent to the recipients. Expected light wear such as corner wrinkles and a few chips. Else near fine. 8.5" x 11". Impeccable provenance as these item come from the files of Helene von Damm (b. 1938), Reagan's longtime personal secretary and later Ambassador to Austria, and gifted to our consignor, her White House assistant.

Ronald Reagan wrote the first letter to Helen Obenshain, widow of U.S. Senate hopeful Richard Obenshain (1935-1978). Obenshain, who had served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, was the Republican nominee for a soon-to-be vacated U.S. Senator from Virginia seat when he died in a campaign-related plane crash in August 1978.

Excerpt from the first letter (with original usage):

"Dear Helen

As you can see part way down the page this is a double letter. First to send you greetings from Nancy + myself. Next to say you must be very proud of those children of yours.

We both hope that our paths will cross again, soon + often. In the meantime we wish you all the best.

Sincerely

Ron."

President Reagan sent the corollary letter to the Obenshain children: Mark (born 1962), Anne Scott (born ca. 1964), and Kate (born 1969). The children had gifted Reagan a round pewter paperweight adorned with a quote by their father, Richard Obenshain: "The most important goal in my life is to have some significant impact in preserving and expanding the realm of personal freedom in the life of this country." Mark Obenshain is now a Republican State Senator in the Virginia Legislature. Kate Obenshain was the first woman to head the Republican Party of Virginia.

The second letter (with original usage) in full:
"+ Now!

Dear Mark, Anne, Scott + Kate

Thank you very much for your kind thoughtfulness + generosity in sending me the desk weight which is handsome in + of itself but which is also most meaningful because of the words inscribed upon it.

I knew and admired your father and am very proud to have these inscribed words of his here on my desk. I shall be guided by them. I'm most grateful to you and hope one day I can express my thanks to you in person.

Sincerely

RR."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: ALSs

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October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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