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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.
Submarine Model
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Submarine Model

Object numberMO 1941.7.104
Name Model
Possible Maker
Gifter
Dateca. 1900
Mediumbronze, wood, glass
Dimensionsobject (ship) H 5 1/2 in x W 13 in x D 8 in (14 cm x 33 cm x 20.3 cm )
 overall (ship on stand) H 10 in x W 13 in x D 8 in (25.4 cm x 33 cm x 20.3 cm )
DescriptionA model of an early submarine, egg-shaped in design, resembling two turtle shells fastened together. The submarine has a white pine hull with fittings made of bronze or copper. The model is equipped with two fins on either side, evidently intended to help propel it through the water. The propeller is at the back and there is no rudder. Glass covered openings, meant as windows, are on either side. A sticker on one side reads: 5. The model rests unfixed on a decorative bronze stand consisting of four fish-like figures attached to a wooden base.
Label TextThis model was presented to President Roosevelt by Clifton Meek in April 1938. Meek was uncertain as to its origin or identity. He and Roosevelt consulted several experts in an effort to determine whether the model was of a submarine that had actually been built. The quality of the metalwork and design indicate that it may have been built around 1900 by Tony Healy, a coppersmith who worked for Simon Lake, the pioneer submarine builder in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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 SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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