Description:

John F. Kennedy
n.p., ca. 1961-1965
John F. Kennedy-Era Presidential Insignia, With 2 Bonus Unit Tabs From Yachts "Barbara Anne" & "Susie E.," With Outstanding Provenance
Apparel
Three embroidered patches, including a shoulder sleeve insignia emblazoned with the presidential seal, 3.875" diameter; one crescent-shaped dark blue and white unit designation tab from the presidential yacht "Barbara Anne," 3.875" long; and one crescent-shaped dark blue and white unit designation tab from the presidential yacht "Susie E.," 3.875" long. N.d., but ca. 1961-1965. N.p. Expected age-related wear including slight yellowing verso, else near fine. Provenance: Ex-Guernsey's; ex-Family of Captain Henry "Hank" Hirschy, United States Navy.

The embroidered patches were collected when Lieutenant Hirschy was Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President, and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. His duties also included taking care of the President's needs on overseas trips, aboard the presidential yachts, and at Camp David. Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961 through May 31, 1965.

The presidential seal patch would have been provided to staff to be sewn onto presidential clothing and outerwear, onto articles similar to JFK's beloved leather bomber jacket.

Traditionally, the U.S. Navy has been tasked with providing food service to the U.S. President both at sea and on land. U.S. Navy personnel still oversees the White House Staff Mess, located in the basement level of the West Wing next to the Situation Room. The wood-paneled dining room sumptuously appointed with nautical artwork can seat about 50 guests at a dozen tables, with visitors typically being high-level senior officials, cabinet secretaries, ranking military officers, and their guests. Similar food service provided by the U.S. Navy was offered when the President visited Camp David, the presidential retreat in Catoctin Mountain Park, in Maryland; or when he boarded one of the presidential yachts, or cabin cruisers.

The "Barbara Anne" and "Susie E." embroidered unit tabs were likely left over from the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration. Eisenhower had originally acquired two former U.S. Navy cruisers, the "Lenore II" and "Margie," which he subsequently renamed the "Barbara Anne" and "Susie E." respectively after his granddaughters Barbara Anne Eisenhower (1949-2022) and Susan Eisenhower (born 1951). Eisenhower's successor Kennedy renamed the "Barbara Anne" the "Honey Fitz" and the "Susie E." the "Patrick J." Both the "Barbara Anne" and "Susie E." patches would have been sewn on to Mess Staff uniforms for different postings.

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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  • Provenance: Guernsey's, The Kennedy Era Auction, October 7, 2017, offered as part of Lot 462.
    Family of Captain Henry "Hank" Hirschy, United States Navy.
  • Dimensions: largest patch: 3.875" diameter
  • Medium: Apparel

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