The Watergate scandal was one of the most explosive moments in US political history.
The news that sitting president Richard Nixon had authorised wiretapping on Democrat HQ in the Watergate office complex led to a constitutional crisis and, ultimately, his impeachment.
This lock was jimmied by Nixon's goons on their way into the building
On December 14 Nate D Sanders will offer one of the most fascinating pieces of political memorabilia we’ve ever seen.
One of the actual locks “jimmied” by Nixon’s goons when entering the building.
The lot includes a letter of provenance from janitor James Rednowers, who removed the lock at the request of the Watergate management after the scandal came to light.
He then gave it to manager James Herrald, who offered the lot at auction in 1997. Bidding reached $13,000, but Herrald declined the offer.
It’s unclear if it has changed hands at some point in the past 20 years, but this time around it’s valued at $50,000.
The auction house describes it as “an incredibly visceral piece, giving a glimpse into the events of 17 June 1972, which would ignite a political maelstrom leading to obstruction of justice charges against a sitting U.S. President, and his subsequent resignation.”
We have some great presidential memorabilia for sale, click here to take a look.
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