JOHN F. KENNEDY

American Presidents

THE ACTUAL TIE CLIP WORN BY A DALLAS MOTORCADE SECRET SERVICE AGENT DURING THAT FATEFUL DAY WHEN JOHN F. KENNEDY WAS SHOT

John F. Kennedy: An evocative Relic of that sad November 22, 1963 day in Dallas- the official Secret Service Tie Clip worn by one of the agents in the Presidential Motorcade. This singular piece of history is accompanied by a letter of provenance from famous Kennedy Secret Service Agent, Mike Underwood.

In ‘DEATH OF A PRESIDENT’, William Manchester identified Underwood as one of the figures depicted in Cecil Strong’s immortal photograph of the grieving Jackie at the swearing in ceremony of Lyndon Johnson aboard Air Force One.

Underwood was the advance men for the Houston leg of Kennedy’s Texas trip the day before. He did not travel with the presidential entourage to Dallas, and was, in fact, roused from sleep at the Rice Hotel in Houston and rushed to the airport to join his fellow agents in Dallas upon word of the assassination. He continued in the Secret Service through the Johnson years, and late in life told stories of of his role in Dallas and later as “one of LBJ’s closest confidantes, a man who was in charge of Johnson’s international security arrangements”. These stories added much fuel to the fire for those alleging a conspiracy behind the assassination, thereby garnering Underwood much attention. As a result, Underwood has become a major figure associated with the assassination of Kennedy.

The official United States Secret Service tie clip offered here is accompanied by a September 26, 1992 notarized hand written affidavit from Underwood to famous Kennedy collector, Robert White, which states, “ Robert – You are a good friend and I appreciate your concern and help. Another item which is historic is this Dallas Tie Clasp which is a Secret Service Clasp (which) was in the motorcade in Dallas and used by my S.S. (Secret Service) pal. I am selling this to you. God Bless”. This relic was originally purchased at the famous Guernsey auction of the White Collection, where it hammered for $8,500. It was subsequently sold by University Archives and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from John Reznikoff.

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FAQ

How can I tell if my autograph is authentic?

Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that entails numerous factors such as the paper, ink, and penmanship. Comparing these elements to known examples is crucial in determining authenticity. If you lack experience in this area, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of professionals who can handle the task with expertise.

How are autographs priced?

The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors, including rarity, condition, content, and association. Accordingly, assigning a general value to letters can be challenging. This uniqueness is what adds thrill to autograph collecting and makes pricing a demanding task.

Are autographs a good investment?

The autograph market is subject to fluctuations like any other market and is sensitive to factors such as supply, demand, and the overall state of the economy. The autograph market differs from other markets as the availability, or supply, of autographs stops after an individual’s death. With the growth of the internet increasing the number of collectors and erasing geographical boundaries, there has been an upsurge in demand for autographs worldwide. Due to ongoing demand and limited supply, autograph prices have inevitably risen over the years, as witnessed by the Brams Collection. It is not advisable to invest in autographs for financial gain, as the autograph market is not especially “liquid” and does not pay dividends. Nevertheless, we believe that autographs are a stable financial investment that should increase in value over time. However, the rate of increase cannot be predicted or guaranteed with precision.

Are all your autographs and Items on your website?

We have a vast collection of autographs and items that are currently not uploaded on our website. If you do not find what you are looking for, please get in touch with us and we will be delighted to search our inventory for you.

What does a first-time buyer need to know?

Many advise collectors to specialize in a particular area of interest. However, your collection should provide you with personal satisfaction, and not focus solely on making a profitable investment or following the current trend. Always aim for top-quality pieces within your budget, recognizing that items not reaching your standard will remain mediocre. As a collector, it is essential to understand the market and ask pertinent questions before purchasing. Forming a trusted relationship with dealers can help them find desirable pieces to add to your collection.

How do you guarantee authenticity?

At Brams Collection, we pride ourselves on our extensive collection of authentic source materials. Our founder, Daniel Brams, is an expert in ink, paper, and penmanship, and has a deep understanding of the history of autographs and authentication techniques. We offer an unconditional guarantee of authenticity to the original purchaser, with no time limit. In addition, we promise competitive prices, prompt and courteous service, and a satisfaction guarantee.

My search returned no results. What should I do?

If you have conducted a thorough search using accurate spelling of the name or subject, and are unable to locate the item you desire, please reach out to us via our contact page. Our team will diligently search our inventory for autographs or items that may align with your interests.

What forms of Payment do you accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, debit cards, wire transfers, U.S. money orders, and checks drawn on American banks. For new customers, payment for purchases will be requested in advance. Existing clients are typically invoiced with a net 30-day payment term.

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Please contact us, whether you desire to purchase an item of historic significance or to sell your valuable piece of history.