May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
This small gift of appreciation was commissioned by President John F. Kennedy and presented by him to his closest advisors following the peaceful conclusion of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This is one of the rarest and most important presidential gifts. Kennedy designed, and had Tiffany & Company make, sterling silver October 1962 calendars to present to his inner circle of advisors. It is believed that JFK only presented 34 of these calendar paperweights to people in his strategic inner circle. The initials of the recipient were engraved on the upper left and Kennedy's initials were engraved on the upper right. Etched more deeply and boldly than the others are the 13 days of the crisis, October 16-28, when the world stood on the precipice of nuclear war, and the Kennedy administration pursued the path of peace. The president presented this calendar to General Earle G. Wheeler, Chief of Staff of the United States Army at the time. His initials, "E.G.W.", are engraved at the correct location on the upper left corner. The president's initials, "J.F.K.", are correctly engraved on the upper right. Marked "TIFFANY & CO STERLING." on the bottom right corner in small capital letters. There are scattered blemishes throughout with scratches to the calendar but all markings remain legible. Wood border exhibits light wear with the felt base exhibiting soiling, yet remaining intact. CONDITION: Very good.
Item Dimensions: 4 - 1/2" x 4"