Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Masonic Gavel Used by George Washington

Masonic Gavel Used by George Washington

Artifact IDMO 1941.6.28
Object Type Gavel
Maker
Datemid to late 18th century
Mediumwood, metal
Dimensionsoverall H 6 3/4 in x W 1 1/4 in x D 3 1/2 in (17.1 cm x 3.2 cm x 8.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small plain wooden Masonic gavel.
Historical NoteThis gavel was used by George Washington to call together his Masonic Order. The gavel was handed down through succeeding officers to John Roosevelt who gave it to his nephew, James Seaver. The gavel was gifted to Franklin D. Roosevelt in August 1933 by Edith Seaver of Gloversville, New York who was the daughter of James Seaver.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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view