Beginning Tuesday, the auction house Christie’s New York has hundreds of items up for bid from the private household collection of former President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy. These items are very personal indeed, and include photos and books from the very shelves of the couple’s former home in Bel Air, California, along with needlepoint pillows, embroidered cocktail napkins, walking canes, a selection of music from their personal library, jewelry, handbags and assortment of furniture.
“Bid one for the Gipper,” the auctioneer advises. All proceeds from the auction go to benefit the The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
One item in particular is drawing considerable interest: the Reagan family Thanksgiving platter, complete with little turkey salt and pepper shakers. The ceramic pieces — already familiar to many families — provide evidence that the Reagans, despite their fame and public stature, had not lost touch with typical American lifestyle.
Online bidding begins Tuesday morning and continues for eight days. Find the catalog here.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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