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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.
Patriotic Scrimshaw Cup
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Patriotic Scrimshaw Cup

Artifact IDMO 1941.8.42
Object Type Cup
Maker (American, born 1889)
Date1937
Mediumivory (walrus ?), paint
Dimensionsoverall H 3 1/2 in x W 2 in x D 2 3/4 in (8.9 cm x 5.1 cm x 7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small commemorative scrimshaw cup carved from what is likely a piece of walrus tusk. On the side of the handled cup (handle now detached) is a multicolored etched and painted image of a bald eagle, with wings outstretched, perched on a patriotic stars and stripes shield backed by arrows. Text etched above and below the image reads: USA /St Paul / PRIBILOF ISLANDS. / ALASKA. Hand inscribed on the underside of the cup's base is the maker's information: Made by / John / Misikin / Jan 30 / 1937.
Historical NoteThe maker of this cup, John Misikin, likely created it as a gift for Franklin D. Roosevelt's January 30, 1937 birthday.
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 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)
Not on view