Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1939 New York World's Fair Pin
Artifact IDMO 1942.215.4
Object Type
Pin, Lapel
Maker
Cartier
(French jewelry firm, founded 1847)
Date1939
Mediumpin: metal (14 karat gold)
case: leather, fabric
case: leather, fabric
Dimensionsobject (pin) H 1 1/2 in x W 1 in x D 3/8 in (3.8 cm x 2.5 cm x 1 cm )
box/case H 1 1/4 in x W 2 1/8 in x D 2 1/2 in (3.2 cm x 5.4 cm x 6.4 cm )
box/case H 1 1/4 in x W 2 1/8 in x D 2 1/2 in (3.2 cm x 5.4 cm x 6.4 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A 14k gold pin commemorating the 1939 New York World's Fair. The pin features a 3D rendering of the Fair’s iconic Trylon and Perisphere. Two curved bands linking the Trylon and the Perisphere have inscribed text that reads: “NEW YORK / 1939.” The reverse side of the pin has a horizontal bar pin with catch and is inscribed with the manufacturer’s information: “CARTIER 14K / N.Y.W.F. LIC. 1628 / 2585.”
b) The pin’s original red and gold leather jeweler’s box with the Cartier mark on the interior of the lid and on the underside of the box.
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.b) The pin’s original red and gold leather jeweler’s box with the Cartier mark on the interior of the lid and on the underside of the box.
This pin is an example of the souvenirs created for the 1939 New York World's Fair and belonged to FDR's mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteLent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 28, 1942. Deposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on December 14, 1942. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
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.In Collection(s)
Not on view