The Pen that Created the Peace Corps For Sale!

Thanks for the ‘heads up’ from Wm Evensen (Peru 1964-66)

Description

John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson: Collection of Presidential Bill Signing Pens. Likely the finest collection of Bill Signing Pens ever assembled. A set of 50 fountain pens, used by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, housed in a 27 1/2″ x 38″ frame with green backing, the presidential seal at the top center, and with the caption “With these fifty pens, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the foundation of the great society which was passed by the historic and fabulous first session of the 89th Congress” at the bottom of the frame. The opened pens measure out to 5.25″ long and the closed capped pens measure out to 6.25″ long. Each pen has a caption box beneath it with the name of the act signed into law and the date of when it happened. While the presentation does not mention Kennedy, several of these pens were used during his administration, January 1961-November 1963.

The set includes the following acts, and the fountain pens used – stamped “The President – The White House”:

Provenance: Pens given to William Eastman of HUD (Housing and Urban Development). Consigned by his grandson.

Area Redevelopment Act (5-1-61), Minimum Wage (5-5-61), Housing Act (6-30-61), Expanded Space Program (Man on the Moon) (7-21-61), Establishment of Alliance for Progress (9-4-61), Peace Corps Act (9-22-61), Community Health Services and Facilities (10-5-61), Manpower Development and Training Act (3-15-62), Educational Television (5-1-62), Public Works Acceleration Act (9-14-62), Food and Agriculture Act (9-27-62), Communications Satellite Act (8-31-62), United Nations Loan (10-2-62), Trade Expansion Act (10-11-62), Tax Reform Act (10-16-62), Health Professions Educational Assistance Act (9-24-63), Mental Retard. Fac. & Community Mental Health Centers (10-31-63), Higher Education Facilities Act (12-16-63), Clean Air Act (12-17-63), 25th Amendment to Constitution (Abolition of Poll Tax) (2-4-64), Tax Reduction and Reform (2-26-24), Civil Rights Act (7-2-64), Urban Mass Transportation Act (7-9-64), Economic Opportunity Act (8-20-64).

Condition: The pens haven’t been examined outside of the frame. The pens exhibit light wear, with some examples exhibiting ink on the nibs from signing. Overall in fine condition.