ROCKVILLE, MD. On Saturday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m., collectors world-wide will compete to own the ultimate in political memorabilia when Hantman’s Auctioneers, in Rockville, Maryland, sell John F. Kennedy’s personal notebook [$15,000-20,000], a newly discovered collection of personal letters written by Jacqueline Bouvier [Kennedy] [$40,000-60,000], and rare Christmas card signed by President and Mrs. Kennedy prior to departing on their fateful trip to Dallas (one of fifteen) [$10,000-15,000].

The excitement generated by this unique collection (which includes Jackie’s evening gowns, dresses, photographs, personal and JFK’s funeral stationery) has thousands of prospective bidders viewing Hantman’s fully illustrated catalog on-line at www.hantmans.com and leaving absentee bids. Others are arranging telephone bids.

Spanning the Harding-Clinton administrations, 223 lots will be offered in a unique live gallery and simulcast eBay auction pitting gallery bidders against telephone and absentee bidders and the internet eBay community.

Jackie’s correspondence to a girlfriend with whom she shared her summers in Newport, [1944-1947] is a fascinating mix of teenage gossip, mutual confidences and shrewd estimates of prospective suitors “I don’t think he’ll ever be much in the world. He’ll be content to be a party boy the rest of his life…He has a lot of punch and steel in him and he’ll fight his way and really make something of himself.” Social, chatty and gushy at times, they offer savvy assessments of people and situations and include humorous drawings.

The rocking chair given to Boston Cardinal Richard J. Cushing by JFK (not the candidate with the same initials who’s looking to make 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue his new home) was consigned by Boston’s Daughters of St. Paul, to whom Cushing later gave the chair. They are selling it now to raise funds for their order [$10,000-20,000].

Bidders can own an original Saul Steinberg signed caricature of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan on a brown paper bag; Ronald Reagan’s 1980 New Hampshire primary hand-written letter on Manchester Holiday Inn stationery [$4,000-5,000]; bill signing pens; and signed photographs.

Also on the plate are a Ronald Reagan Inauguration luncheon souvenir portfolio presented to Senator Claiborne Pell (one of 150) [$1,000-2,000], White House invitations and notes; Presidential gifts [pens, tie bars, cuff links, money clips, golf balls]; campaign, funeral items and signed first edition books.

For details, call (301) 770-3720 or visit www.hantmans.com