Prosperity
Artifact IDMO 1941.7.109
Object Type
Model
Maker
Captain John Hansen
(German, born 1872)
Gifter
Captain John Hansen
Dateca. 1933
Mediumwood, paint, metal, fabric, string
Dimensionsoverall (model on base) H 38 in x W 56 in x D 19 in (96.5 cm x 142.2 cm x 48.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA large, wooden model of the PROSPERITY, a fully-rigged late 19th century clipper ship. The ship has a white and pink hull with red trim, elaborate rigging, and fabric sails unfurled. An American flag flies from the rigging on stern. The name of ship on both the bow and stern ends. The model is mounted to a natural wood cradle stand which, in turn, is mounted to a larger stained wood base which has a perimeter groove to allow for the placement of a protective bonnet. Carved into the cradle stand is the name of the ship.
Historical NoteThis model was made by Captain John Hansen, a retired sea captain from Lincoln, Nebraska. He sent it to President Roosevelt in December 1933. This model can be seen in photographs of the White House Oval Office (resting on a table behind the President’s desk) during the early years of the Roosevelt administration.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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view