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Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
The Great Elector of Germany Scrimshaw
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.

The Great Elector of Germany Scrimshaw

Artifact IDMO 63.6111.1
Object Type Scrimshaw
Date before 1961
Medium Whale tooth; wood; pigment
DimensionsOverall H 8 in (20.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionWhale tooth with engraved a profile image of Frederich Wilhelm I. The tooth is mounted vertically on an oval shaped wooden base that is inscribed "Grosse Courfurst, the Great Elector of Germany" in gold lettering. The Great Elector was Frederich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia.
Historical NoteThis whale tooth etched with portrait of Frederick William, The Great Elector of Brandenburg, served as a bookend in President Kennedy's Oval Office.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was owned by President John F. Kennedy. Ownership was transferred to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library 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 SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view