The Ellsworth Bunker Archive, a collection of materials relating to the career of the prominent US diplomat, has sold with excellent results as part of RR Auctions' latest sale, which closed on March 14.
 Bunker was a main hawk during the Vietnam war, meaning that he spoke in favour of escalating the conflict |
The collection brought an impressive $86,581. When Paul Fraser Collectibles first reported on the sale on March 5, it was selling for less than $7,500.
"Ellsworth Bunker is considered one of the most important American diplomats of the 20th century.The collection speaks volumes to his accomplishments and it is not surprising that it commanded such an impressive figure," commented the auction house's vice president, Bobby Livingston.
Bunker is renowned as one of the chief "hawks" of the Vietnam war, which means that he was strongly in favour of escalating and prolonging the conflict. He is also the only individual to have been presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Special Distinction twice in his career, one of which provided the highlight of the collection.
The medal was presented to Bunker in 1967, and was sold complete with the original shoulder sash as well as another medal bearing a constellation of 13 gold stars.
Further highlights included the historic US flag that was flown over the Saigon embassy on January 29, 1973 - the day that the Vietnam war ceasefire took effect. Housed in a wood and glass case, it was presented to Bunker by marines on May 5, 1973 in thanks for his service as ambassador to Vietnam.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a fantastic selection of presidential memorabilia for sale. We also have an incredibly rare signed photograph of Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh.
