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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.
Unsinkable Lifeboat
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Unsinkable Lifeboat

Artifact IDMO 1941.7.1
Object Type Model
Maker (American, 1880 - 1942)
Gifter
Dateca. 1934
Mediumwood, painted wood, string, ribbon
Dimensionsobject (boat model only) H 2 3/4 in x W 10 1/2 in x D 3 1/4 in (7 cm x 26.7 cm x 8.3 cm )
 overall (boat model on stand) H 4 1/2 in x W 14 3/4 in x D 4 3/4 in (11.4 cm x 37.5 cm x 12.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA model of a thirty-six foot unsinkable lifeboat. The wooden boat has a white-painted hull and a stained, slatted floor. Two bundles of oars (10 separate oars), tied with brown ribbon, are inside the boat. Floaters are tied along the sides of the lifeboat with string. The model rests on a wooden base with cradle stand.
Historical NoteThis model of an unsinkable lifeboat was made by inventor Charles I. Nielsen of Weehawkan, New Jersey. It was presented to President Roosevelt by Mr. Nielsen in May 1934.
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view