Description:

JFK, Truman, Kefauver & 275+ Others Sign Adorable 1960 Democratic National Convention Stuffed Animal Donkey!

An adorable stuffed animal donkey from the 1960 Democratic National Convention signed by approximately 277 signers including John F. Kennedy; Harry S. Truman; Estes Kefauver; Stephen McNichols, and many others just waiting for discovery! With gray cotton "hide" and old-fashioned stuffing, yarn mohawk, applied felt mouth, hand-sewn nostrils and eyebrows, a hand-drawn navel, and a tricolored ribbon around his neck. His eyes are missing. Expected wear including scattered stains and some split seams, especially at the limb joints, and a few isolated areas have been restitched. Some of the signatures have faded but most are legible. Else very good. Measuring approximately 24" long fully extended, 22.5" wide with fully extended arms, and 9" deep at deepest. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (Parsippany, New Jersey), submission number W174172, dated November 25, 2020, certifying authentic four notable signatures: those of Kennedy, Truman, Kefauver, and McNichols. The remaining signatures were deemed non-notable by JSA.

It is easy to imagine this stuffed animal donkey--beloved mascot of the Democratic Party since the Roosevelt era--being signed and passed along to dozens of exuberant Democratic delegates, party officials, and sitting and former politicians attending the 1960 Democratic National Convention held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena from July 11-15, 1960. John F. Kennedy was officially nominated as the Democratic Party presidential candidate on July 13th on the first ballot, and his running mate, Texas Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, was announced the next day. By securing the nomination, Kennedy showed the critics who had questioned his youth, physical fitness, and religion that he could unite the country. It is significant to note that ex-President Truman, who also signed this donkey, had initially supported Missouri Senator Stuart Symington, not Kennedy. Kennedy delivered his inspiring "New Frontier" speech from the adjacent Coliseum on July 15, 1960. In it, he mapped out his vision of an exciting future.

The stuffed animal donkey is signed by:

- John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and just nominated Democratic presidential candidate, as "John Kennedy / Mass" on the inner flap of the left ear. Kennedy would win the November general election and become the 35th U.S. President.

- Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), the last Democratic and 33rd U.S. President, as "Harry S Truman" on the right hoof.

- Estes Kefauver (1903-1963), U.S. Senator from Tennessee and twice a failed Democratic Party presidential nominee, as "Estes Kefauver / U.S. Senator Tennessee" on the left hoof.

- Stephen McNichols (1914-1997), Governor of Colorado, as "Steve McNichols" on the outer flap of the left ear.

Other signers whose signatures have not been JSA certified but bear further close examination include:

- Wayne Morse (1900-1974), U.S. Senator from Oregon, as "Wayne Morse / U.S.S. Ore." on the inner flap of the left ear. Morse was an early 1960 Democratic Party presidential candidate whom Kennedy defeated in the Oregon and Maryland primaries earlier that year.

- Brigadier General Elliott Roosevelt (1910-1990), son of 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, as "Elliott Roosevelt" on the inner flap of the right ear. Elliott Roosevelt was a Colorado delegate at the Democratic National Convention.

Signatures can be found everywhere, and in the most obscure places of the donkey, including its hairline and along its ribbon necklace. This is definitely worthy of further research!

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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February 21, 2024 10:30 AM EST
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University Archives

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