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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.
Magnifying Glass Paperweight
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Copyright not held by FDR Library

Magnifying Glass Paperweight

Artifact IDMO 2006.184
Object Type Glass, Magnifying
Maker
Gifter
Issuing Body (American, 1873 - 1934)
Dateca. 1933
Mediumglass
Dimensionsoverall H 2 in x W 2 in x D 2 in (5.1 cm x 5.1 cm x 5.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA clear glass Magniwate magnifying paperweight. The one piece paperweight magnifier has a square base with a rounded top and beveled edges. Etched into one side of the paperweight: EDMONDS / OPTICIAN / WASHINGTON. Etched into the back side: PAT 1920 26.
Historical NoteIn early 1933, optician Frank Edmonds of Washington D.C. sent President Roosevelt this Magniwate - a magnifying glass that also serves as a paperweight. FDR placed it on his Oval Office desk. Secretary to the President Stephen Early wrote Mr. Edmonds on April 13, 1933 to convey FDR's thanks "for the 'Magniwate,' which now has a place 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
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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
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