Description:

John F. Kennedy Back & Pelvis X-Rays Taken Immediately After His Initial Addison's Disease Diagnosis, Ex-Ron Hoskins

An X-ray film taken of the pelvis and lumbar spine of future 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) shortly after he was diagnosed with Addison's Disease in September 1947. The hand-processed black and white acetate film was taken at a Harley Street clinic in London, England on October 2, 1947. It is labeled "1356. Mr. Kennedy. 2.10. 47" at top below the London address and telephone number of Harley Laboratories, and is also marked "John Fitzgerald Kennedy - Radiograph > M-1" along the bottom. Expected wear including fingerprints and a few isolated scuffs, else in near fine condition. 14" x 17." Provenance: Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Todd Mueller Autographs, Inc. (Colorado Springs, Colorado.) From the collection of Ron Hoskins, assassinologist.

Kennedy, recently elected as a U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts, traveled overseas in the fall of 1947. He visited Lismore Castle in Dunganstown, County Wexford, Ireland to conduct genealogical research, introducing himself to locals as "your cousin John from Massachusetts." During the same trip, Kennedy collapsed in London on September 21, 1947. His traveling companion Pamela Churchill, Winston Churchill's daughter-in-law, referred him to Sir Daniel Davis, a well-respected physician at the London Clinic. Sir Davis took X-rays like this one and ran diagnostic tests. The doctor delivered Kennedy's first definitive diagnosis of Addison's Disease, a rare autoimmune endocrine disorder. Sir Davis's prognosis was grim; he reportedly told Pamela Churchill that Kennedy would be dead within the year. The dangerously ill Kennedy was administered last rites on his return trip to the United States aboard the "Queen Mary." X-rays like this one were packed away in Kennedy's luggage.

In fact, Addison's Disease was just one of Kennedy's many ailments, the extent and severity of which were not completely understood until decades after his assassination. Incapacitating back pain was another chronic condition. Kennedy's back pain recorded as early as 1937, along with injuries he sustained during the World War II shipwreck of his patrol boat the "PT-109," exacerbated his condition. Kennedy underwent four back surgeries between 1944-1957: in June 1944, October 1954, February 1955, and September 1957.

This X-ray then, was taken between his first and second surgeries. Kennedy complained of pain radiating from his left hip through his left knee before the first surgery. The resultant laminotomy and discectomy offered only temporary relief. The second surgery was a more radical intervention; Kennedy had a sacroiliac and lumbosacral fusion and a Wilson plate inserted. Over the years, Kennedy would develop coping strategies and alternative treatments for his back pain. Yet as we know, he was still wearing a back brace in the Dallas presidential limousine.

A similar Kennedy X-ray sold at Julien's Auctions (Culver City, California) in October 2010 for a hammer price of $13,500 after receiving 48 bids.

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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August 25, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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