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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.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Medallion Paperweight
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Medallion Paperweight

Object numberMO 1973.61
Possible Maker (Norwegian-American, 1909 - 1975)
Maker (American, 1927 - 1938)
Dateca. 1938
Mediummetal (pewter)
Dimensionsoverall H 1 1/2 in x W 2 3/4 in x D 2 3/4 in (3.8 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm )

DescriptionA pewter paperweight with a square base and raised conical design with a flattened top. Inserted into the top of the paperweight is a small, silver-colored medallion that features a bas relief right-facing profile image of FDR's head encircled by text that reads: • PRESIDENT • FRANKLIN • D • ROOSEVELT • / HYDE • PARK • N•Y•. The manufacturer's mark is stamped on the underside: VAL-KILL.
Label TextThis paperweight is a 1938 example of Christmas gift items produced by Val-Kill Industries for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt to distribute. It was possibly made by the forge metalsmith, Arnold Berge. The paperweight was given by the Roosevelts to White House Press Secretary Stephen Early.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteFrom the papers of Stephen T. Early, donated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Helen W. Early in 1969 and received at the Library in 1972. Transferred from the FDR Library Archives, 1972.
Credit LineGift of Helen W. Early (Papers of Stephen T. Early)
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.
Non exposé
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