Combination Sundial and Compass in Case
Object numberMO 1945.32.12
Name
Sundial
Maker
David Beringer
(German scientific instrument maker and craftsman, 1756 - 1821)
Maker
Tiffany & Company
(American, founded 1837)
Mediumsundial/compass: wood, paper, ink, glass, metal
case: metal (bronze), fabric
case: metal (bronze), fabric
Dimensionsobject (compass) H 3/4 in x W 1 3/4 in x D 2 3/4 in (1.9 cm x 4.4 cm x 7 cm )
box/case H 1 in x W 2 1/4 in x D 3 1/4 in (2.5 cm x 5.7 cm x 8.3 cm )
box/case H 1 in x W 2 1/4 in x D 3 1/4 in (2.5 cm x 5.7 cm x 8.3 cm )
Descriptiona) A small 18th century combination sundial and compass made by German craftsman, David Beringer. The wood and paper piece folds closed with a hinged lid.
b) A protective bronze case for the compass. The hinged cover is inscribed: "THIS POCKET COMPASS CARRIED BY AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION IS PRESENTED TO FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITH THE HOPE THAT IT MAY AGAIN SERVE AS A GUIDE AND TALISMAN THROUGH ANOTHER CRITICAL PERIOD IN OUR HISTORY / CHARLES WILLIAM TAUSSIG / MARCH 4, 1933. Stamped into the underside of the bronze case is the manufacturer’s information: "TIFFANY & CO / MAKERS / 48485 / BRONZE." The interior of the case is lined with blue velvet.
Label TextThis combination sundial and compass, used by a soldier in the American Revolutionary War, was presented to Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 4, 1933, the day of his first inauguration as the 32nd President of the United States. It was a gift from Charles William Taussig, a New York City industrialist who served as an economic advisor to FDR.b) A protective bronze case for the compass. The hinged cover is inscribed: "THIS POCKET COMPASS CARRIED BY AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION IS PRESENTED TO FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITH THE HOPE THAT IT MAY AGAIN SERVE AS A GUIDE AND TALISMAN THROUGH ANOTHER CRITICAL PERIOD IN OUR HISTORY / CHARLES WILLIAM TAUSSIG / MARCH 4, 1933. Stamped into the underside of the bronze case is the manufacturer’s information: "TIFFANY & CO / MAKERS / 48485 / BRONZE." The interior of the case is lined with blue velvet.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on November 22, 1944. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.Collections
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