JFK Letters Regarding PT-109 Crewmate Sold for $200,000
BOSTON, MA—(September 18, 14) a collection of letters from John F. Kennedy to the family of lost PT-109 crewmate sold for $200,000 on Thursday, according to Boston, MA-based auction house RR Auction.
The letters from John F. Kennedy were sent to the family of Harold W. Marney, one of two crewmembers killed when the PT-109 boat that he commanded was destroyed by a Japanese ship.
The letter in part: “This letter is to offer my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your son,” he wrote shortly after the August 1943 accident. “I realize that there is nothing that I can say can make your sorrow less; particularly as I know him; and I know what a great loss he must be to you and your family.”
In addition to these letters; the Purple Heart medal posthumously awarded to Harold W. Marney, the telegram sent to the family informing them of his loss, a few photos, and various related correspondence.
“In terms of content, this represents the pinnacle of any Kennedy wartime correspondence and to our knowledge are the only letters describing the PT-109 incident in depth,” says Bobby Livingston, Exec VP at RR Auction.
Highlights from the Remarkable Rarity Auction include, but are not limited by:
Robert Kennedy Archive of Letters to his best friend Peter MacLellan. Realized: $31,250
World-famous signed photo of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue. Realized:$125,000.
Nelson Mandela Freedom Torch used during historic ceremony. Realized: $75,000
William Barret Travis signed document. Realized: $125,000
Mary, Queen of Scots Signed Document. Realized: $28,750
Hugh Hefner letter and First Printing of Playboy #1. Realized: $12,500.
RR Auction’s 2-day live auction event on Sept. 17-18, 2014, at the Omni Parker House, in Boston, MA. More details can be found online at www.rrauction.com.
