John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy’s Original Blood-stained Leather from Dallas, Texas Limousine

A .5" x .5" swatch of blood-stained leather inset between a reproduction photograph of the 35th President and First Lady riding in limousine above and explanatory caption below in decorative mat measuring 11” x 16”. The piece of leather upholstery was removed from the center of the rear seat of the Presidential limousine. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) was seated here next to his wife Jackie (1929-1994) when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963 while waving to fans in Dallas, Texas.

Provenance: F. Vaughn Ferguson, White House Technical Service Representative in charge of the Presidential limousine who assisted the White House upholsterer in removing the leather from the rear seat four days after the assassination and supervised its refurbishing for Lyndon Johnson; The Raleigh De Geer Amyx Collection of Presidential Memorabilia; Dr. John K. Lattimer.

Includes a copy of the original letter of authenticity from University Archives along with 18 pages of provenance documentation.