Desk Pad
Artifact IDMO 63.297d
Object Type
Set, Desk
Date
ca. 1961
Date Presented5/1961
Maker
Hermes, Paris
(Established in 1837)
Gifter
Charles de Gaulle
Place MadeParis, France, Europe
Place of GiftParis, France, Europe
Medium
Leather, brass, paper
DimensionsOverall H 1 1/2 in x W 7 in x D 10 3/4 in (3.8 cm x 17.8 cm x 27.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionBlack alligator desk notepad with brass hinges containing a paper pad with gold leaf edges. There are notations on two pages by President Kennedy. The first page has four handwritten phrases: Good evening my fellow Americans; at every moment in a peaceful world; test ban treaty; Tax program put forward. This desk pad is part of a 6 piece desk set.
Historical NoteThis desk pad was presented to President Kennedy as part of a desk set by the president of France (1959-1969), Charles de Gaulle, during John F. Kennedy's state visit to Paris, France in May-June 1961. President Kennedy kept this set on his desk in the Oval Office of the White House.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until 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 SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
