Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Lockheed P-38 Airplane Ashtray

Lockheed P-38 Airplane Ashtray

Artifact IDMO 1944.112.3
Object Type Ashtray
Maker (American, 1915-2005)
Date1943
Mediummetal (brass)
Dimensionsoverall (diameter at base) H 11 in x W 8 1/4 in x D 10 1/2 in x Diam 5 in (27.9 cm x 21 cm x 26.7 cm x 12.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA brass ashtray featuring a model of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter airplane. The model of the plane, and the support stand and base, are all made from brass shell and bullet casings. The model pivots on the stand. On the base is an engraved inscription that reads: Birthday greetings to the President, from Sergt. Anthony Mechowski - 17th Marines (Engineer) January 30, 1944.
Historical NoteDuring a 1943 goodwill tour of the Pacific war zone, Hollywood star Gary Cooper (1901-1961) met Marine Sergeant Anthony W. Mechowski who was from Syracuse, New York. The sergeant showed Cooper this ashtray he had made from brass shells and bullets as a gift for President Roosevelt. Cooper promised to take the gift back to the United States and forward it to the President along with a short note from Mechowski: “Dear MR. President—Birthday greetings! Here is an ornament for your desk.”
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
On view