Historic presidential letters to go under the hammer

A remarkable collection of American presidential correspondence from the 1960s is set to go under the hammer later this month as part of a major antique and collectibles auction featuring more than 1,300 lots.

The upcoming sale, hosted by Usher Auctions on Monday, May 25, includes official White House correspondence signed by former US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The collection also features signed correspondence from a range of American political figures, including senators, vice presidents and governors, alongside signed portrait photographs and a letter from Robert F. Kennedy during his time as Attorney General.

Among the more unusual items is a letter from noted sculptor Fred M. Torrey addressed to Judge Walter Beale, adding further historical interest to the collection.

Auctioneers say the presidential material forms part of a diverse and extensive sale sourced from property clearances in Dublin, Meath and Westmeath.

Other highlights include Irish and English silver, rare coins, high-quality carpets and rugs, mirrors, garden furniture and cut-stone troughs, antiquarian hunting books, Georgian and Victorian furniture, Waterford glassware, Irish spongeware and collections of Irish whiskey.

Collectors of Irish art will also find works by acclaimed artist Kenneth Webb, while additional lots include designer light fittings, tapestries, religious artefacts from South Hill House in Delvin, model ships and a wide range of decorative antiques and collectibles.

The auction house described the event as “a great general sale with something for everyone,” and strongly encouraged in-person viewing at the auction rooms ahead of the sale.

Auctioneers are also anticipating the arrival of a 1964 Massey Ferguson 65 tractor, which may join the catalogue before the auction date.