91 - John F. Kennedy's Personally-Owned and -Worn Irish Donegal Tweed Hat, Gifted by Éamon de Valera

John F. Kennedy's Personally-Owned and -Worn Irish Donegal Tweed Hat, Gifted by Éamon de Valera President John F. Kennedy's personally-owned and -worn Donegal tweed fedora, gifted to him by Irish President Éamon de Valera during his official state visit to Ireland in 1963. The hat is labeled inside: "Donegal Tweed, woven in Ireland, This tweed was woven from pure new wool in County Donegal, Ireland. The fabric has the colours and character of our countryside. Ruggedness to wear well. Softness for comfort. Joy and health to you who wear this. P. J. Carr, Weaver." White strips of felt have been inserted inside the inner sweatband to tighten the hat on Kennedy's head, and three feathers decorate the outer hatband. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Martin E. Underwood, special assistant to President Kennedy, addressed to noted JFK collector Robert L. White. In part: "I, Martin E. Underwood, with this notarized statement of authenticity do turn over ownership of an Irish Woven Hat to you for your museum collection on John F. Kennedy. I acquired this item in 1963 while working at the White House in the capacity of Special Assistant to the President...This hat was given to JFK by the President of Ireland, E. de Valera on June 26, 1963. Kennedy disliked hats but he accepted the gesture. Since it was too big, JFK aides placed felt inside to help it fit JFK better. After the Ireland trip, my close friend and presidential right hand man, Kenny O'Donnell, gave me this hat." An additional handwritten statement by Underwood reads, in part: "On JFK's trip to Ireland the President of Ireland gave him this hat and insisted he wear it—JFK detested hats but put it on and it came down over his ears—it was a size 7 1/2 too large for JFK...he was a 7 1/4 or a 7 so he carried it...The above information was given to me by Ken O'Donnell, his close aid who presented the hat to me." Provenance: The Robert L. White Collection, Lot 30, Guernsey's, March 18-19, 1998.