A collection of 11 small glass and ceramic animals, sewn on to four separated sections of half-inch beige ribbon, all of which used to be connected as a single strand, and hung on President Roosevelt’s bed post in the White House. Animals include: a fish marked “Germany 1920,” a dog, a turtle, a duck, a buck, an elephant, and several birds. Animals are removably housed in a beautiful beveled glass case, with tan velvet trim—how they have been displayed for over 30 years. Accompanied by a detailed 1983 letter of authenticity from the wife of President Roosevelt’s valet, Arthur Prettyman, which reads, in part: “It gives me pleasure to present to you the sewn on animal collection, owned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was given to my husband, Arthur S. Prettyman by the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, almost immediately after the tragic death of the President on April 12, 1945…When FDR died on April 12, 1945, it was my husband and Dr. Bruenn that carried him to his bed in Warm Springs…This is a unique piece. President Roosevelt kept this hanging from his bed post in the White House. It was at the head of his bed. The President collected miniature animals…It is a most personal possession of the President.” Also accompanied by a snapshot of Prettyman walking the president’s dog, Fala. In very good condition, with wear and partial separations to ribbon, some chips and paint loss to a few of the animals, and an unattached dog, which is missing a foot. An animal lover and collector, these figurines are a lovely representation of two of President Roosevelt’s passions. A unique artifact deserving of a place in a distinguished FDR collection.
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