Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Letter Opener Used by Eleanor Roosevelt
Artifact IDMO 2009.11.1
Object Type
Opener, Letter
Possible Maker
Otto Edvin Olsen Berge
(Norwegian-American craftsman, 1894 - 1985)
Possible Maker
Val-Kill Industries
(American, 1927 - 1938)
Dateca. 1930s
Mediumwood (walnut)
Dimensionsoverall H 5/8 in x W 9 7/8 in x D 1 in (1.6 cm x 25.1 cm x 2.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA carved, free-form walnut letter opener.
Historical NoteThis letter opener was used by Eleanor Roosevelt in her East 74th Street apartment in New York City. It may have been fashioned by Val-Kill Industries craftsman Otto Berg using wood from the White House roof.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Curtis Roosevelt in 2009.
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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