Description:

Ronald Reagan
[Washington, DC], n.d.
Ronald Reagan 2x Signed ALS Denying Rumors Of Presidential Yacht Purchase & Condemning The "inaccuracy of the press"
ALS

A 1p autograph letter twice signed by sitting 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), the first time at the letter's conclusion, as "RR"; and the second time as "Mrs. Reagan" when writing out his wife's name in the third paragraph. N.d. [Washington, D.C.] Inscribed with approximately 174 words in Reagan's hand, in blue ink on a leaf of yellow red-ruled and blue-lined paper, with several original cross-out edits, being a draft for a later typed letter. Expected wear including gentle scattered wrinkles, and a few isolated edge chips and stains, else near fine. 7.875" x 12.375." Impeccable provenance as this item comes from the files of Helene von Damm (b. 1938), Reagan's longtime personal secretary and later Ambassador to Austria, and gifted to our consignor, her White House assistant.

Reagan wrote this letter to an Auckland, New Zealand well-wisher named Tibor Banfy who had evidently been under the misapprehension that President Reagan was looking to replace the presidential yacht. Since he, Banfy, happened to own a yacht, perhaps he had even suggested a sale between himself and the U.S. government! In the letter, Reagan laments that the "inaccuracy of the press" had resulted in Banfy's confusion about a possible sale. The "U.S.S. Sequoia" had been unceremoniously sold off by Reagan's predecessor Jimmy Carter in 1977 because of its estimated $800,000-a-year price tag for maintenance.

Reagan wrote in full (with original usage):

"To Mr. Tibor Banfy 182A Symonds St.
P.O. Box 2938 Auckland New Zealand

Dear Mr. Banfy

Thank you very much for your interest + courtesy regarding the yacht. You were very kind and your boat is beautiful. I regret very much the inaccuracy of the press which misled you about our intention.

It seems that others including some members of Congress have suggested replacing the Presidential Yacht which Pres. Carter sold with one of the craft already owned by the govt. There is no possibility of the govt. purchasing one.

Now however let me thank you on behalf of Mrs. Reagan + myself for your great generosity. The lamb and the lamb skins; the latter are already installed in our bed room at the ranch and are just beautiful.

The book on New Zealand is equally appreciated and confirms what I've always believed about your home land; that it must be one of the worlds most beautiful spots on earth.

Nancy joins me in a heartfelt thanks and our very best regards.

Sincerely

RR."

Reagan writes enthusiastically about the sheep skins gifted by Tibor Banfy, adding that they have already been installed at the "ranch." This was Rancho del Cielo, in Santa Barbara, California, a 688-acre farm that the Reagans had purchased in 1974. Rancho del Cielo was known as the "Western White House." Mikhail Gorbachev, Queen Elizabeth II, and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher were just a few of the VIPs who visited the Reagans there.

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: 7.875" x 12.375"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, 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.

January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 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