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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.
Benchmark Paperweight
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Copyright not held by FDR Library

Benchmark Paperweight

Artifact IDMO 1947.93.125
Object Type Paperweight
Maker
Date1941
Mediummetal (brass), wood
Dimensionsoverall H 1 1/4 in x Diam 4 1/8 in (3.2 cm x 10.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA paperweight in the design of a round brass paperweight -- meant to simulate a survey benchmark -- set in wooden base with green felt lining on the underside. Inscribed on the face of the brass portion: U.S. GENERAL LAND OFFICE SURVEY-1941 / PENALTY $250 FOR REMOVAL. / FRANKLIN / D. / ROOSEVELT. There is no maker's information.
Historical NoteBenchmarks are used by surveyors to mark the boundaries of surveyed property. FDR kept this paperweight on his Oval Office desk. It is on display in the FDR’S OVAL OFFICE DESK exhibit in the Museum’s APRIL 12, 1945 gallery.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 20, 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. 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 StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
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