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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Uncle Sam Hat Milk Glass Novelty Piece
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Uncle Sam Hat Milk Glass Novelty Piece

Object numberMO 1947.93.138
Name Holder, Toothpick
Maker
Gifter
Mediummilk glass
Dimensionsoverall H 2 3/8 in x W 3 1/2 in x D 3 3/4 in (6 cm x 8.9 cm x 9.5 cm )
DescriptionA white milk glass novelty in the form of an upside down Uncle Sam's hat with a stars and stripes pattern. Marked on the interior bottom of the holder is the number 3. There is no maker's mark.
Label TextFDR kept this pressed glass novelty item on his Oval Office desk.. Dr. and Mrs. Charles Whelan sent it to presidential secretary Marvin McIntyre on April 11, 1936 with a request: "May we ask, you place upon our President's desk this 'Uncle Sam's Hat'? Perhaps it can hold the ashes of a cigar, as he smokes and ponders the best interests of his fellow Americans." FDR later wrote to thank the Whelans for their gift. "It is sitting on my desk," he noted, "and holds plenty of cigarettes for my visitors." Charles Whelan served on the United States Board of Parole at the Justice Department. At some point the hat got chipped, but FDR continued to keep it on his desk. It is on display in the FDR’S OVAL OFFICE DESK exhibit in the Museum’s APRIL 12, 1945 gallery.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 20, 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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