Engraved humidor
presented by the Philippine Ambassador in 1963, complete with two unopened cigars 28
John F. Kennedy’s
Personalized Wooden Humidor
STARTING BID $5,000
P
resident Kennedy’s personalized wooden humidor. Hinged mahogany humidor is engraved on the lid “President Kennedy,” and measures 10.25 x 7 x 2, with a 9.75 x 7 thin sheet of green felt covering most of the bottom of the cigar box. Presented to Kennedy by Philippine Ambassador Amelito R. Mutuc as a gift, it was designed to hold a total of 26 cigar. Two unopened cigars are stored inside, each 5.25˝ long, with “Specially made for President Kennedy,” imprinted on the wrappers, and “Flor Fina Coronas Alhambra Manila Choicest Philippine Tobacco Sumatra Wrapper,” printed on the bands. On January 21, 1963, Kennedy wrote to His Excellency Amelito R. Mutuc, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, Washington, D.C. The text of the letter, courtesy of the JFK Presidential Library: “Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received the handsome,
LIVE AUCTION October 24, 2013
personalized, mahogany box of very fine cigars that you so thoughtfully sent to me. It was indeed kind of you to send such a generous supply of this excellent product. I know I will enjoy them and consider your gift another demonstration of the warm friendship existing between our countries. With appreciation and every good wish to you and your family. Sincerely, John F. Kennedy.” Photocopies of the retained unsigned carbon of this letter in the Kennedy Library’s files and a note-sized sheet of Ambassador Mutuc’s stationery addressed in a secretarial hand to: “The President / The White House / Washington, DC” are included. The latter most probably accompanied the box of cigars. Also present, from the Kennedy Library, are photocopies of five earlier letters concerning the sending and receipt of the cigars. In overall fine condition.
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