Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Scrap Metal Lamp
Artifact IDMO 1941.13.1
Object Type
Lamp
Maker
Thomas George Palmer
(American, 1894 - 1973)
Dateca. 1937
Mediummetal, glass, wire, plastic
Dimensionsoverall H 10 1/4 in x W 6 1/2 in x D 6 1/4 in (26 cm x 16.5 cm x 15.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA handmade electric lamp made of scrap metal. The lamp consists of a clear glass globe with a copper-colored metal surround. The top of the surround is umbrella-shaped with the word "PROSPERITY" on one side and has a rounded handle for carrying. The bottom of the surround has a New Deal decorative theme featuring the images of an eagle, shovel, sphere, axe, and other symbolic figures along with "CCC" (Civilian Conservation Corps), "NRA" (National Recovery Administration), "WPA" (Works Progress Administration), and "WORLD PEACE".
Attached to the top of lamp was a green-covered electrical cord with electrical plug [now separated from lamp due to poor condition].
Historical NoteMany of FDR’s admirers sent him handmade gifts. Thomas George Palmer constructed this electric lamp out of scrap metal. He sent it to President Roosevelt in August 1937, writing that it symbolized the light the President was bringing to government affairs. It is on display in the GIFTS FROM THE PEOPLE exhibit in the Museum’s NEW DEAL gallery.Attached to the top of lamp was a green-covered electrical cord with electrical plug [now separated from lamp due to poor condition].
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Relating to the New Deal (National Archives Identifier 750981)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view
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