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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.
Bookplate Engraving Die
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Bookplate Engraving Die

Artifact IDMO 1947.93.479
Object Type Block, Engraving
Designer (American, 1882 - 1945)
Date1940
Mediummetal (steel), paper, cardboard
Dimensionsoverall H 1/2 in x W 2 1/4 in x D 2 3/4 in (1.3 cm x 5.7 cm x 7 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A steel engraving die. The design on the die consists of a naval motif at the center - an anchor and four stars within a rope oval - partially encircled on the upper section by three roses. The design is completed by a banner running around the lower section with lettering that reads: FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT. Stamped into the top side edge of the die: WH 12.

b) A cardboard sleeve that houses the die. Adhered to the top of the sleeve is a blue and white die proof of the design.
Historical NoteFDR personally designed a bookplate for the thousands of volumes in his naval book collection. It features nautical imagery and three roses from the Roosevelt coat of arms. This 1940 steel engraving die was made from an impression from an earlier die.
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)
Not on view
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