Skelton auction: W.H., Hill keepsakes

A signed photo of Jimmy Carter and Ike Skelton is pictured. | KC Auction and Appraisal Co.

In this photograph, Skelton sleeps on Air Force One while Jimmy Carter grins. Carter's inscription on the photograph's mat reads: "To my good friend Ike Skelton, alert guardian of the public's interest — Jimmy Carter '80." | KC AUCTION AND APPRAISAL CO.

While Rep. Ike Skelton died nearly eight months ago, followers and political junkies alike can bid to take part of his political legacy home with them after a new auction hit the web Monday.

The auction, hosted by KC Auction & Appraisal Co. in Kansas City, Mo., features items such as letters from former presidents, inaugural ball invitations and tickets, rare photographs, birthday cards and an autographed menu from Benjamin Franklin’s 300th birthday celebration. Letters included in the collection come from names such as former Presidents Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Margaret Thatcher and Al Gore.

Skelton, a Democrat, served for 34 years as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Missouri’s 4th district. Before losing his seat in 2010, Skelton served as chairman for the House Armed Services Committee.

On Oct. 28, Skelton diedat 81-years-old. According to Jason Roske, who owns the auction company, Skelton left behind a will that asked for his items to be appraised and sold. The exclusively online auction began Monday and will run until June 30.