Exquisite tea cup and saucer from the personal chinaware of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy used aboard the presidential yacht, the 'Honey Fitz,' which was named in honor of JFK's maternal grandfather, John Francis 'Honey Fitz' Fitzgerald. Both pieces are designed by Shenango China in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and bear subtle gilt embellishments including central presidential seals and a pairing of adjacent stars. The cup has a delicate handle, stands 2″ tall, and features a rim diameter of 3.5″ and a base diameter of 1.75″; the saucer has a rim diameter of 5.75″ and a base diameter of 4″. The bottom of both pieces bear maker's marks, with the bottom of the cup stamped "32 18," and the bottom of the saucer, "60 14." In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of a notarized statement of provenance from Ronald C. Duck, who served aboard the yacht during the Kennedy Administration, in full: "I certify that this set of dishes were used by the Kennedy family and members of the White House staff. Came from U. S. S. Honey Fitz yacht and were given to me by the Kennedy administration." Also accompanied by a copy of a letter from Senator Ted Kennedy, dated August 24, 1970, who affirms that the "dishes you purchased do appear to be the ones used on the Honey Fitz," and a copy of an ANS from Jacqueline Kennedy to Ronald C. Duck on White House letterhead, in full: "Thank you for all you did to give the President so many happy hours on the Honey Fitz." A handsome tea cup and saucer set deriving from the President's storied yacht.
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