Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
USS Quincy Cigar Ashtray
Artifact IDMO 2008.12.26
Object Type
Ashtray
Maker
Edward F. Laukagalis
(American, 1919 - 1969)
Date1945
Mediumbrass
Dimensionsoverall (diameter tip-to-tip) H 5 1/4 in x Diam 7 1/4 in (13.3 cm x 18.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionA cigar ash receiver made from a shell casing. Etched into opposite sides are variations of the U.S. Presidential Seal and the U.S. Navy shield and double anchor seal.
An inscribed message on one side reads: PRESIDENT / FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / ON HIS BIRTHDAY / 30 JANUARY 1945 / ABOARD USS QUINCY.
An additional inscription reads: FROM THE / U.S.S. QUINCY / CAPTAIN E. M. SENN, USN / A SOUVENIR OF HER FIRST ENGAGEMENT / INVASION OF NORMANDY / 6 JUNE 1944.
Marked on the bottom of the shell casing: B.B.CO. / 1943-3 / LOT N0. 17 / 5 IN MK.V. / 38 CAL / US Navy Insignia [anchor flanked by U and S] / L.M.
Historical NoteFDR celebrated his 63rd birthday while traveling to the Yalta Conference aboard the USS Quincy. On January 30, 1945, the ship’s crew presented him with this brass ash tray as a birthday gift. An inscribed message on one side reads: PRESIDENT / FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / ON HIS BIRTHDAY / 30 JANUARY 1945 / ABOARD USS QUINCY.
An additional inscription reads: FROM THE / U.S.S. QUINCY / CAPTAIN E. M. SENN, USN / A SOUVENIR OF HER FIRST ENGAGEMENT / INVASION OF NORMANDY / 6 JUNE 1944.
Marked on the bottom of the shell casing: B.B.CO. / 1943-3 / LOT N0. 17 / 5 IN MK.V. / 38 CAL / US Navy Insignia [anchor flanked by U and S] / L.M.
The ash tray was fashioned from the casing of a 5” shell fired by the Quincy during her first combat engagement—the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Machinist’s Mate First Class Edward F. Laukagalis created the ash tray and presented it to the President on behalf of his shipmates.
Additional Details
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)
Exhibitions
Not on view
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