Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #185
Herbert Hoover

Kept on the first lady's desk

This lot has closed

Estimate: $1800+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

Kept on the first lady's desk

Substantial bronze paperweight in the shape of a woman’s right hand, presented by President Herbert Hoover to his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, complete with ring, bracelet, and ruffled cuff, measuring 6.25″ long, and engraved along the top, “H. H. and L. H. H. 1929.” This quality paperweight was kept on Mrs. Hoover’s desk during her four-year time at the White House and gifted to Maggie Rogers, First Maid of the White House. Mrs. Rogers was often in the presence of first ladies as she performed her many duties. Accompanied by an August 10, 1985 letter of provenance, on a White House card, from Lillian Roger Parks, who was a best selling author as well as housekeeper and seamstress at the White House for over 30 years, from Hoover through Eisenhower, which reads: “The lovely 6 1/4 inch golden bronze hand was owned and used by President and Mrs. Hoover. The First Lady, Mrs. Lou Henry Hoover kept it on her desk as a paper weight. Upon leaving the White House in 1933, she gave it to my ‘Mamma’ Maggie Powers, First Maid of the White House.” In fine condition. An uncommon and very well-documented offering of a gift from a president to his wife. From the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #512 - Ended November 08, 2017