Description:

Jackie, Ike, FDR's Mother, Grace Kelly, Queen Juliana & More! Presidential & Royal Ephemera, 20+ pieces

A group of 21 pieces of ephemera, comprised of autograph letters signed, thank-you notes, funeral mass invitations, and calling cards sent from members of U.S. presidential families and European royalty, ca. 1941-1982. The majority of the collection consists of thank-you notes acknowledging receipt of sympathy cards following deaths, and thus mourning ephemera is well-represented. Many of the items come with their original transmittal envelopes. Overall in near fine condition, with specific condition issues elaborated below. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition.

American

I. The Eisenhower family (8 pieces)

An embossed card from former First Lady Mamie Doud Eisenhower, thanking the recipient for "your expression of sympathy" upon the death of her husband, 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), on March 28, 1969. N.d., n.p. but the accompanying envelope indicates April 23, 1969, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The envelope features a printed First Lady free frank.

A 1p autograph letter signed by Louise Eisenhower (1892-1979), the widow of Dwight D. Eisenhower's oldest brother Arthur Eisenhower (1886-1958), who had died on January 26, 1958. N.d., n.p. but the accompanying envelope indicates April 9, 1958, Kansas City, Missouri.

A calling card from Milton Eisenhower (1899-1985),, Dwight D. Eisenhower's youngest brother. N.d., n.p. but the accompanying envelope indicates August 5, 1954, State College, Pennsylvania.

A printed card with a black mourning border, embossed "The White House / Washington" at top, and signed in print as "The President and Mrs. Eisenhower." N.d., n.p. but the postmark of the accompanying envelope indicates October 20, 1960, Washington, D.C. Mamie Eisenhower's mother Elivera Doud (1878-1960) had died on September 28, 1960

II. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994) (2 pieces)

Two printed cards relating to Jackie Kennedy, who died on May 19, 1994. Including an invitation to her May 23, 1994 funeral mass; and a thank-you card reading "Caroline Kennedy and John Kennedy / thank you / for your kind expression of sympathy." Expected light wear including an isolated partially erased pencil inscription on the larger of the two cards, else near pristine. The larger card measures 5.5" x 4.25."

III. Sara Roosevelt (1854-1941), Franklin D. Roosevelt's mother (2 pieces)

A printed card with a black mourning border, embossed "The White House / Washington" at top, and signed in print as "The President and Mrs. Roosevelt." N.d., n.p. but the postmark of the accompanying envelope indicates September 25, 1941, Washington, D.C. Some minor stains near the top edge, else near fine. 5.25" x 3.375." Franklin D. Roosevelt's mother Sara Delano Roosevelt died on September 7, 1941. Ironically, Eleanor's younger brother Hall Roosevelt (1891-1941) died the same day this mourning card was mailed.

International

IV. Grace Kelly (1929-1982) and her father Jack Kelly, Sr. (1889-1960) (5 pieces)

Three printed mourning bordered cards and two original transmittal envelopes issued from the royal family of Monaco. Two cards convey thanks from Princess Grace of Monaco, née Grace Kelly, after receiving well wishes after the death of her father, Jack Kelly, Sr. N.d., n.p. but the postmark indicates July 13, 1960, Monaco City, Monaco. A minor blue smudge on one card, else near fine. The largest card measures 6" x 3.75."

The remaining card was issued from the Palace of Monaco in September 1982, after the death of Princess Grace in a car accident, and reads in part: "Deeply touched by your sympathy on the occasion of the death of beloved Princess Grace…"

V. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands (1909-2004) (2 pieces)

A printed card in English stating the Queen's thanks "for your kind wishes on the occasion of her birthday." N.d., n.p. but the postmark of the accompanying envelope indicates June 10, 1951, Soestdijk Palace, Baarn, Netherlands. The card is embossed "Soestdijk" in the upper left corner. The upper right corner of the card and one corner of the envelope shows some minor loss, else near fine. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands celebrated her 42nd birthday on April 30, 1951.

VI. Hélène Schweitzer-Bresslau (1879-1957), wife and philanthropic collaborator of Albert Schweitzer (2 pieces)

A printed card in French with a black mourning border signed in print as "Dr. Albert Schweitzer / Rhéna et Jean Eckert-Schweitzer / et leurs enfants." N.d., n.p. but the postmark of the accompanying original transmittal envelope indicates June 16, 1957, Zurich, Switzerland. The message is translated as: "We thank all those who by their tokens of sympathy on the occasion of the passing of our dear Hélène Schweitzer-Bresslau have comforted us in our bereavement." Hélène had died on June 1, 1957.

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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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