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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.
Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth

Artifact IDMO 1941.12.58a
Object Type Scrimshaw
Maker
Date19th cenutry
Mediumivory, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 5 1/8 in x W 2 1/2 in x D 1 3/4 in (13 cm x 6.4 cm x 4.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionA scrimshaw whale's tooth. Etched on one side in black ink is the image of the frigate, PRESIDENT, flying the American flag in color.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt purchased this scrimshaw piece in 1926 for $35 at the Bayles and Peters sale at the American Art Association, New York. The tooth can be seen on the fireplace mantle of the White House Oval Study in a May 5, 1936 photograph.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteReceived at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in 1941. It was formally donated to the FDR Library in 1947 through FDR's Estate.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view
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