Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Lockheed P-38 Airplane Ashtray
Artifact IDMO 1944.112.3
Object Type
Ashtray
Maker
Anthony W. Mechowski
(American, 1915-2005)
Date1943
Mediummetal (brass)
Dimensionsoverall (diameter at base) H 11 in x W 8 1/4 in x D 10 1/2 in x Diam 5 in (27.9 cm x 21 cm x 26.7 cm x 12.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA brass ashtray featuring a model of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter airplane. The model of the plane, and the support stand and base, are all made from brass shell and bullet casings. The model pivots on the stand. On the base is an engraved inscription that reads: Birthday greetings to the President, from Sergt. Anthony Mechowski - 17th Marines (Engineer) January 30, 1944.Historical NoteMarine Sergeant Anthony W. Mechowski of Syracuse, New York built this ashtray out of brass shell casings as a birthday gift for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Mechowski gave the ashtray to actor Gary Cooper when Cooper visited his engineering unit in New Guinea during a goodwill tour. Cooper agreed to forward it to FDR. Roosevelt received it on January 13, 1944, along with a short note from Mechowski: “Dear MR. President—Birthday greetings! Here is an ornament for your desk.”
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
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view