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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.
Surprise
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Surprise

Artifact IDMO 1970.104
Object Type Model
Maker
Dateca. 1863
Mediumwood, string
Dimensionsbox/case H 16 in x W 23 1/4 in x D 9 1/2 in (40.6 cm x 59.1 cm x 24.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small model of the three-masted clipper ship, SURPRISE. The ship is made of dark stained and varnished wood, and has no sails. The models is attached to a small wood base that includes a gilded label that reads: Clipper Ship Surprise / of New York 1850. The model and base are mounted to a larger display base with a perimeter groove that would allow for the placement of a protective bonnet.
Historical NoteFDR purchased this model for $225 in 1922 at the Anderson Galleries in New York City at the sale of the Carey Collection. The model was supposedly made on board the ship around 1863. FDR wanted the model because the SURPRISE was the ship on which his mother, at age seven (turning eight during the voyage), and her mother and siblings sailed in 1862 around the Cape of Good Hope from New York to Hong Kong (where her father was in business with Russell and Company).
Additional Details
Credit LineGift of Anna Roosevelt Halsted
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
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