Title:
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson Air Force One Oath of Office Moment — Original Type 1 Photograph by Cecil W. Stoughton — PSA/DNA Certified 

Description:
Offered here is an original Type 1 photograph capturing Lyndon B. Johnson aboard Air Force One in the moments surrounding the historic presidential oath of office on November 22, 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The photograph was taken by Cecil W. Stoughton, the official White House photographer during the Kennedy administration.

The image depicts Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson standing aboard Air Force One, preparing to assume the presidency only hours after the tragic events in Dallas. Johnson is shown among several officials and military personnel while awaiting the moment he would formally take the oath of office. According to historical accounts of the event, Johnson paused briefly before the ceremony as Jacqueline Kennedy was escorted to stand beside him, still wearing the suit stained from the earlier tragedy.

The scene reflects the tense and solemn atmosphere aboard the aircraft during one of the most pivotal transitions of presidential power in American history. Within minutes, Johnson would be sworn in as the 36th President of the United States, in a brief ceremony conducted inside the cabin of Air Force One while the plane remained on the ground in Dallas.

The photograph is printed in black-and-white and displays strong contrast and clarity typical of official White House photographic prints from the era. The reverse bears a production stamp reading:

“NEGATIVE NUMBER – 1A-10-63
PHOTOGRAPHER – CECIL W. STOUGHTON”

The print exhibits natural aging and darkroom marks on the reverse consistent with vintage press photography.

This photograph has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as a Type 1 photograph, confirming that the print was developed from the original camera negative within approximately two years of when the image was taken. The PSA label identifies the item as “Original Photograph – Cecil W. Stoughton – Lyndon B. Johnson – Type 1.” Certification number 85752646.

Historical Context:
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, creating one of the most dramatic constitutional crises in modern American history. To ensure continuity of government, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President aboard Air Force One at Dallas Love Field.

The oath of office was administered by U.S. District Judge Sarah T. Hughes at approximately 2:38 p.m. CST, with Jacqueline Kennedy standing beside Johnson. The ceremony took place in a cramped section of the aircraft cabin before the plane departed for Washington, D.C.

The event remains the only presidential oath of office ever administered aboard an aircraft, making photographs from this moment among the most historically important political images of the 20th century.

Cecil W. Stoughton, the White House photographer who captured many defining moments of the Kennedy presidency, documented the aftermath of the assassination and the swearing-in ceremony. His photographs from Air Force One are widely regarded as some of the most iconic images in American political history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
The photograph has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as a Type 1 Original Photograph.

• Photographer: Cecil W. Stoughton

• Event: Lyndon B. Johnson assuming the presidency aboard Air Force One

• PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85752646

• Designation: Type 1 Photograph (printed from the original negative within approximately two years)

The PSA holder provides archival protection while allowing the photograph to be safely displayed.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
Photographs documenting the immediate aftermath of the Kennedy assassination and the historic oath of office aboard Air Force One are among the most powerful visual records of American presidential history. This PSA-certified Type 1 photograph by White House photographer Cecil W. Stoughton captures the solemn moments leading up to Johnson’s swearing-in, offering collectors an extraordinary and authentic artifact tied directly to one of the most consequential days in U.S. history.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.