Limited Test Ban Treaty Signing Pen
Artifact IDMO 63.3795
Object Type
Pen
Date
1963
Maker
Esterbrook Pen Company
(English, Founded 1856)
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Medium
plastic; metal
DimensionsOverall L 6 1/4 in (15.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionSteel nib pen with black plastic grip and translucent plastic handle with gold lettering "The President, The White House".
Historical NoteThis pen was used by President John F. Kennedy to sign the Partial Test Ban Treaty (also known as the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty) at 10:00am in the Treaty Room of the White House on October 7, 1963. The Treaty banned nuclear weapon tests in the amosphere, in outer space and under water. It was developed both to slow the arms race and to stop the excessive release of nuclear fallout into the planet's atmosphere. It was opened for signature on August 5, 1963, and entered into force on October 10, 1963.
Thirty-three year later the pen was borrowed by President William J. Clinton to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on September 24, 1996 at the United Nations. President Clinton was the first of 71 leaders to sign the treaty banning nuclear test explosions. The treaty was later rejected by the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate by a vote of 51-48, the first time that body had rejected a security-related treaty since 1919.
Additional DetailsThirty-three year later the pen was borrowed by President William J. Clinton to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on September 24, 1996 at the United Nations. President Clinton was the first of 71 leaders to sign the treaty banning nuclear test explosions. The treaty was later rejected by the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate by a vote of 51-48, the first time that body had rejected a security-related treaty since 1919.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
