11/22/1963 Blood-Stained Piece of Leather From Kennedy’s Presidential Limousine

A Tragic Souvenir: A Piece of History from President Kennedy’s Assassination

The Origin of a Historical Artifact

The story of this poignant piece of history begins with F. Vaughn Ferguson, a dedicated Technical Service Representative at the White House garage for two decades. Ferguson was entrusted with the solemn task of cleaning the presidential limousine after the FBI had completed their forensic investigation. In a moment of historical significance, Ferguson removed the blood-stained leather upholstery from the vehicle, a piece of which is now offered as a rare collectible.

A Fragment of a Fateful Day

This particular piece of dark blue leather, measuring approximately ¼” x ½”, originates from the back seat of the limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated on November 22, 1963. The leather fragment, extracted from a larger section, is a silent witness to one of the most pivotal moments in American history. It has been carefully preserved and mounted within a double-matted display, measuring 11″ x 14″, ensuring its protection and presentation.

Provenance and Documentation

The authenticity and historical significance of this artifact are supported by a photocopy of Ferguson’s Letter of Authenticity (LOA) to renowned presidential collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, dated November 22, 1983, marking the 20th anniversary of the assassination. The letter poignantly states: “Four days after the Assassination the White House upholsterer and I removed this leather at the White House… The spots on the leather are the dried blood of our beloved President, John F. Kennedy.”

Additionally, the piece is accompanied by a signed LOA from John Reznikoff, president of University Archives, affirming its provenance: “Bloodstained leather from the dark blue edge of the rear seat from the 1961 Lincoln Continental President John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated, November 22, 1963.” Further documentation includes photocopied records related to the Amyx Collection and its blood-stained leather sections, originally sourced from Ferguson.

Why This Artifact Matters

• Historical Significance: A tangible connection to the tragic events of November 22, 1963, offering a unique perspective on a day that changed the course of history.
• Unique Provenance: Directly linked to F. Vaughn Ferguson and the Amyx Collection, with comprehensive documentation supporting its authenticity.
• Preservation and Presentation: Carefully mounted and displayed, ensuring its preservation for future generations to reflect upon.

This extraordinary artifact is not just a piece of leather; it is a fragment of history that encapsulates the gravity of President Kennedy’s assassination. As a collector or historian, acquiring such a piece offers a profound connection to a moment that has been etched into the annals of history. For those interested in exploring more about significant historical memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide range of sports memorabilia auctions and other historical items.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.