Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Spice Chest
Artifact IDMO 2008.12.22
Object Type
Chest, Spice
Maker
Unknown
Date1862
Mediumwood (mahogany), metal (iron)
Dimensionsoverall (closed) H 11 3/4 in x W 17 1/8 in x D 12 in (29.8 cm x 43.5 cm x 30.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA mahogany spice chest with hand-wrought iron hinges and lock-plate. When closed, the chest appears to be a simple box with a lock on the front. The hinged lid and drop front open to reveal a fitted interior with several open compartments at the top, and four removable drawers with a secret compartment in the middle drawer. The chest comes with a separate iron key for the lock.
Historical NoteIn June 1862, a seven-year-old Sara Delano (Franklin D. Roosevelt's mother) boarded the clipper ship SURPRISE with her mother and six siblings, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope from New York to Hong Kong where her father was in business with Russell and Company. This spice chest is said to have been made by the crew of the SURPRISE and presented to Sara on the occasion of her 8th birthday on September 21, 1862 which was celebrated aboard the ship. A redolence of exotic spices still emanates from the chest.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Curtis Roosevelt in 2007.
Credit LineGift of Curtis Roosevelt
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)
Not on view
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