FILE - In a Nov. 17, 1961 file photo, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara holds a news conference at the Pentagon. A collection of private papers, letters and personal memorabilia that belonged to McNamara, who played a central role in the Cuban Missile
FILE - In a Nov. 17, 1961 file photo, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara holds a news conference at the Pentagon. A collection of private papers, letters and personal memorabilia that belonged to McNamara, who played a central role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, are set to be auctioned by Sotheby's. Harvey Georges, File, Associated Press

By Associated Press

NEW YORK — It's a whole lot of history — in a little paperweight.

A silver paperweight that President John F. Kennedy gave to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara after the Cuban missile crisis is one of the highlights of an upcoming auction of McNamara's personal effects.

Sotheby's is opening the collection to public viewing on Tuesday. The auction is Oct. 23.

McNamara died in July 2009. He ran the Pentagon from 1961 to 1968.

In October 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union spent 13 days in a nuclear standoff.

As mementoes, Kennedy gave McNamara and others a paperweight with the October 1962 calendar page on it, with the days of the conflict standing out and his and the recipient's initials on top.

It's estimated to sell for $15,000 to $20,000.

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