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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.
Literary Explorers Compass Paperweight
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Literary Explorers Compass Paperweight

Artifact IDMO 1947.93.454
Object Type Paperweight
Dateca. 1933-1945
Mediummetal (copper alloy), fabric (wool felt)
Dimensionsoverall H 7 3/4 in x W 6 3/4 in x D 3 1/4 in (19.7 cm x 17.1 cm x 8.3 cm )

Physical DescriptionA bronze-colored metal paperweight in the form of a ship's wheel on a pedestal and platform. Text cast into the front edge of platform reads: LITERARY EXPLORERS. Cast around the face of the wheel are various literary references and eras: MODERN / TREASURE CHEST / SHAKESPEARE / CLASSICAL / ORIENTAL / BIBLE. Inserted into the top of the pedestal is a small compass (needle missing). Green wool felt is adhered to underside of the platform.
Historical NoteFranklin D. Roosevelt displayed this paperweight on a side table in the White House Oval Office.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
CopyrightCopyright 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.
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