Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
USS Constitution Paperweight
Object numberMO 1941.47.4
Name
Paperweight
Maker
Unknown
Dateca. 1927
Mediumwood (oak), metal (copper, brass), fabric (felt)
Dimensionsoverall H 1 1/4 in x W 4 3/8 in x D 3 1/4 in (3.2 cm x 11.1 cm x 8.3 cm )
DescriptionA paperweight commemorating the frigate, USS CONSTITUTION. The paperweight consists of a block of natural-colored wood with a beveled front. On the top of the paperweight is an oval recess into which has been inserted a piece of an oxidized metal bolt. Attached to the paperweight's beveled edge is a small metal plaque with an inscription that reads: THIS MATERIAL WAS TAKEN FROM / THE ORIGINAL HULL OF THE / U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION / KEEL LAID 1794 REBUILDING 1927.
The underside of the paperweight is lined with green felt.
Label TextThis USS CONSTITUTION relic paperweight was sent to Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1934 by N. A. Bates, U.S. Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts. According to the note sent with the paperweight, the wood was cut from a supporting knee taken from below the ship’s gun deck, and the bolt was one of the ship's copper fastenings.The underside of the paperweight is lined with green felt.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesUnited States Navy Materials (National Archives Identifier 782673)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.Collections
Non exposé