Description:

John F. Kennedy Jr.
Washington, DC, November 25, 1963
Iconic JFK Jr. "Salute" UPI Negative Taken at Kennedy's Funeral, One of the Most Important Photos of the 20th Century, & a Never Before Seen Negative!
Photograph
Original UPI Telephoto photographic negative, November 25, 1963, Washington, D.C., capturing one of the most iconic and poignant moments in American history: John F. Kennedy Jr. saluting his father's casket during President John F. Kennedy's funeral procession. This powerful image has come to symbolize the national mourning and familial grief following the tragic assassination of JFK. The text on the negative reads "WAP 112524 11/26/63 Washington: Like a little soldier, John F. Kennedy Jr., who celebrates his 3rd birthday 11/25, salutes as the casket of his father, the late Pres. Kennedy, is carried from St. Matthew's Cathedral. UPI Telephoto." The Kodak negative is in exceptional condition, but shows some expected wear and fingerprints from use, and patterned trimming to the outer area of the negative which does not affect the image or future printing from the negative. Accompanied by an envelope housing the negative which reads "Sgt. S E Peters W.H. Police." *Please note, this lot only contains the negative, and the original photograph is not included. The negative measures 5" x 4."

This is the first negative of this iconic photo that we have seen surface in auction, however our private sales team sold a Type 1 example for $40,000.

The negative originates from the collection of Sgt. S.E. Peters, a White House Police officer who grew a bond with the Kennedy family, particularly John John and Jackie. Our consignor notes that this negative was gifted to the Sgt. by Mrs. Kennedy shortly after the family left the White House.

UPI photographer Stan Stearns was one of 70 photographers packed into a designated area outside St. Matthew's Cathedral during the funeral of President John F. Kennedy, following his tragic assassination in 1963.

Amid the sea of photographers, it was Stearns who captured the defining moment: John F. Kennedy Jr., just three years old, saluting his father's casket. With the perfect angle and impeccable timing, Stearns hit the shutter at the exact instant to produce one of the most iconic and enduring images of the Kennedy legacy, immortalizing a gesture that resonated with a grieving nation.

Negatives of iconic images, particularly those of historical moments of this magnitude, are exceedingly rare and sought after by collectors of photography and American history. This piece offers a unique opportunity to own an artifact directly tied to, for better or worse, one of the most photographed and remembered events in U.S. history.

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: 5" x 4."
  • Medium: Photograph

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Shipping

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January 29, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000