TLS, one page, 7.25 x 9, personal letterhead, July 26, 1965. Letter to a young admirer. In full: “Thank you very much for your kind letter. While it is too early to make an official declaration, I am very close to doing what you ask and I hope I’ll be around when it comes your turn to vote. Again thanks and best regards.”; and a vintage 3.25 x 5.25 photo, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Patricia, Best regards, Ronald Reagan.” On the reverse, Reagan has added an ALS, signed “Ronald Reagan” which reads, “Thanks very much for your kind letter. I liked the picture ‘The Last Outpost’ too. The black mare I rode was my own a Thoroughbred. She is now gone but I’m riding her daughter a grey named ‘Nancy D.’” Photo is double-suede-matted and framed to an overall size of 7 x 9, and attached by hinges on the left edge to a larger display containing the letter and a wire service teletype announcing the latest election returns in the 1980 presidential election, with Reagan having a lead over both Jimmy Carter and John Anderson, and bearing a secretarial Reagan signature at the top, both of which are suede-matted and framed to an overall size of 43 x 23.5. Light tape toning over signature on letter, and some toning to front of photo as well as light overall irregular ink adhesion to signature and inscription, otherwise fine condition.
While shooting the 1947 film Stallion Road, Reagan fell in love with his equine partner, Tar Baby. He bought the horse when filming came to a close; four years later the two appeared together again in the Civil War film The Last Outpost, referenced in his note. Before Tar Baby passed, she gave birth to two foals, Nancy D. (affectionately named after Nancy Davis, Mrs. Reagan’s maiden name) and Little Man. The distinguished line carried him through 37 years of riding.
Over a decade later, the 1964 presidential campaign saw the emergence of Reagan as a political figure when he made a captivating and powerful speech for Barry Goldwater. At the urging of some key California politicians, he began to consider running for governor, testing the waters with a speaking tour in 1965. “While it is too early to make an official declaration, I am very close to doing what you ask,” he wrote at the start of the tour. Six months later he would announce his intention to run for governor.
Beautifully presented with a secretarially signed announcement of the 1980 presidential election returns, this display captures the stages of an American hero’s life, from the silver screen to the White House. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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