#4099 • John F. Kennedy's Grebe Radio Used in White House

Part of Archives of Hollywood & Music (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $35,000-$40,000 John F. Kennedy Personally Owned Grebe Console Radio Used in U.S. Senate & White House W/Notarized Letter of Provenance - This spectacular piece is an antique Grebe console radio, which was personally owned by former President John F. Kennedy. The radio is a high-end radio console made by the A.H. Grebe Company during the 1920s. During that era, Alfred Grebe was the preeminent high-end radio console maker for the world. Like his other models, this radio was constructed of the finest walnut and exotic woods (a veritable handcrafted work of art) using innovative electronics and patented circuits to produce some of the best high fidelity and reception of the times. The radio was given to Kennedy by staff members while he was serving in the United States Senate, and he loved it so much that after he was elected President, it accompanied him and Jackie to the White House in 1960 where it was placed by the family in their private quarters. After Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy had all of their personal items removed from the White House to be stored with Rose Kennedy at the family compound. In the early 1970s the FBI developed intelligence information that suggested that one of the Kennedy children may have been the targets of a kidnapping for ransom plot. The President signed an Executive Order to provide protective services to the Kennedys (as they were not entitled to U.S. Secret Service protection). Raymond Carolin is the agent who was directed to protect the family during this time, and the radio will come with a signed and notarized statement from Carolin about how he acquired this piece. The radio was given to him by Rose Kennedy during a family Easter holiday. Rose wanted the radio out of the house, as she complained that it "collected dust". Upon hearing this statement, Raymond Carolin asked if he could keep the radio if they were going to throw it out. This is an amazing piece of history, and an incredible chance to own a wonderfully personal piece from one of the most beloved Presidents in the history of the United States. The lot will include a signed and notarized letter of authenticity from Raymond Carolin, along with a letter and auction catalogue supplement from Gurnsey's (as the radio was previously sold in their auction in 1998), and with a "Distant Sparks" periodical which tells the story of the life of Alfred H. Grebe. The radio is in wonderful condition for its age, and truly belongs in a museum.