This is a spent shell casing from the 21 gun salute for JFK that was performed at the graveside service of JFK. This is not from the more public salute that occurred earlier in the day of the funeral.
My father-in-law (Walter R. Bishop) gave this to our family about a year ago and I asked that he also provide a signed statement giving the details of how this came into his possession. We also have a photograph that places him at the grave site as he escorted Ladybird Johnson to the grave for a final goodbye.
I know that this is a very unique item and would like to have some idea s to its value so that we may care for it accordingly. I also would like to know if the form of documentation that we have is adequate for authentication.
Thanks for any help you might be able to offer. I have not provided photographs because it is a just a Howitzer shell with the cardboard tube that it came in.
Re: Spent shell casing from Kennedy graveside 21 gun salute
Dear JSRoof,
I belive I also have a spent shell casing from JFK's funeral, my father was an hounor gaurd at the tomb of the unknown soldier, a friend of his had the casing and on notice of his shipping out to vietnam gave the shell to my father, it has a lot number stamped on the bottom of the casing, i came across your notice while i was searching to see what value it might have, i have no documentation only what my dad had told me about it, perhaps we could verify lot numbers with each other, my name is Liam McElwain e-mail: [email protected]