Sea Witch
Artifact IDMO 1941.7.62
Object Type
Model
Gifter
Charles I. Nielsen
Maker
Charles V. Nielsen
Dateca. 1936-1937
Mediumwood, paint, plaster, glass
Dimensionsoverall H 5 1/2 in x W 8 in x D 3 in (14 cm x 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA miniature wooden ship model of the fully rigged, three-masted clipper ship, SEA WITCH. The model has a green and black hull painted hull. An American flag flies from the mast at the stern and three nautical flags fly from the top of each mast. The ship is affixed to a wood and plaster base painted to resemble the sea. The name of ship is painted on one side of the base. A glass case covers the model.
Historical NoteThis model was made by ship model builder and restorer Charles V. Nielsen of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey and sent to President Roosevelt as a gift. Roosevelt’s ancestors had a direct connection to the SEA WITCH. John Aspinwall, the President’s great-grandfather, was a New York City merchant and privateer whose sons, William Henry and John Lloyd Aspinwall, operated the firm (Howland & Aspinwall) that financed the construction of the SEA WITCH.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