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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.
Capstan 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

Capstan Paperweight

Artifact IDMO 1947.93.419
Object Type Paperweight
Maker
Mediumbrass, copper alloy, plastic, rubber
Dimensionsoverall (diameter at base) H 4 3/4 in x Diam 3 in (12.1 cm x 7.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA paperweight in the form of a miniature cast brass alloy capstan with a black rubber suction cup base. When the top of the device is turned to the left, the rubber base is drawn up to increase suction. Turning the top to the right releases the suction. No maker's marks.
Historical NoteFDR kept this paperweight on his Oval Office desk. Capstans are used on ships to wind in ropes and cables. Desk items like this one reflect President Roosevelt's lifelong love of the sea and sailing. This paperweight 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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
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