Signed First Day Cover by ARATA, Lawrence J. "Larry" (1907-79)

In 1955, John F. Kennedy saw a unique rocking chair at the office of his physician, Dr. Janet Travell, who recommended it to aid his chronic back pain; his father gave him an identical copy, which he brought to the Oval Office; White House upholsterer modified the design, adding plush upholstered arms and back support; images of JFK seated in them (he owned a number of them) have made them almost as much a JFK emblem as Lincoln's stovepipe hat and FDR's cigarette holder, and at auction original JFK-owned White House rockers have fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Boston, MA, 1964 May 29. Fine. Two five-cent commemorative JFK "And the Glow from That Fire Can Truly Light the World" stamps at upper right, boldly cancelled with "First Day of Issue" noted. Decorative cachet at left depicts a line drawing of Arata's famous rocker. No distracting recipient's name/address present. At center, large and bold in black ballpoint, the famed upholsterer inscribes and signs: "My Best Wishes / to Paul Johnston / Larry Arata / 11/14/77." Most unusual and seldom seen.