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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.
German Light Cruiser
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

German Light Cruiser

Artifact IDMO 1945.70.2
Object Type Model
Mediumpaint on wood, string, metal, paper
Dimensionsoverall (on base) H 43 1/2 in x W 129 1/4 in x D 16 1/4 in (110.5 cm x 328.3 cm x 41.3 cm )

Physical DescriptionA scale model of a World War I German light cruiser. The light gray wooden ship has a red hull and dark gray trim. An elaborate deck construction is detailed with guns, smoke stacks, masts, lifeboats, etc. An Imperial German Naval War Flag flies at the stern. The model is mounted to a wood base on which are attached two metal plaques. One plaque is inscribed: S.M. Kleine Kreuzer / Ersatz Nerburg U. Ersatz Mainz [followed by the ship's measurements in German] Erbaut 1915-17 von / Vulcan-Werke / Hamburg und Stettin Actiengesellschaft / Stettiner Niederlassung. Beneath this plaque is another which is inscribed: Model Represents / The / Emden, Karlsruhe Class.
Historical NoteLieutenant General George S. Patton shipped this model of a World War I German light cruiser of the Emden II, Konigsberg Class to President Roosevelt in October 1944. Units of Patton's U.S. Third Army found the model during fighting near the Moselle River.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 7, 1945. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view
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