Description:

Lyndon Johnson
Washington, D.C., May 7, 1965
LBJ Vietnam Bill Signing Pen, Funding Escalation & Troop Deployments in Dept. Of Defense Operations During War!
Relic
Official White House fountain pen, engraved with "THE PRESIDENT – THE WHITE HOUSE", used by President Lyndon B. Johnson on May 7, 1965, to sign House Joint Resolution 447 which provided military funding to support the Department of Defense's escalation of operations and additional troop deployments in Vietnam. The pen remains housed in its original box and is accompanied by a typed provenance note, verifying its role in the signing of this significant piece of Cold War-era legislation. In fine condition with ink still present on pen! The pen measures 6.5."

House Joint Resolution 447 was a supplemental appropriations measure that allocated additional funding for U.S. military operations at a crucial moment in the Vietnam War. By early 1965, President Johnson had escalated America's involvement in Vietnam, authorizing Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam, and ordering the deployment of U.S. combat troops to South Vietnam. This bill provided critical funding for military readiness, troop deployments, and logistical support, ensuring that the Department of Defense had the necessary resources to sustain and expand U.S. operations in Southeast Asia.

The signing of H.J. Res. 447 reflected Johnson's commitment to his policy of containment and military escalation in Vietnam, which he justified under the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964). The bill underscored his broader Great Society-era balancing act, as he simultaneously pursued ambitious domestic programs while dramatically increasing military expenditures overseas. This decision would later define his presidency, as the costs—both financial and human—of the Vietnam War grew increasingly controversial.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

    Dimensions:
  • 6.5"
  • Artist Name:
  • Lyndon Johnson
  • Medium:
  • Relic

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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