Scrimshaw Desk Accessory

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Scrimshaw Desk Accessory

Artifact IDMO 63.1971

Object Type Scrimshaw

Date before 1962

Maker John W. Mannix (Whaler)

Gifter John W. Mannix

Medium Bone, tagua nut, walnut wood

DimensionsOverall H 6 in x W 8 in (15.2 cm x 20.3 cm)

Physical DescriptionDesk accessory with 3 pieces of scrimshaw affixed to a wooden base. First, the whale tooth scrimshaw is engraved with a scene of a sperm whale upending a long boat and five sailors overboard, inscribed "A dead whale or a stove boat." Second, a section of whale tooth scrimshaw is engraved with the meeting of the Amagiri and the PT 109 before collision. Third, the section of tagua nut is inscribed with JFK's coconut message, "Eleven Alive. Native knows posit. And reefs. Nauru Island Kennedy." The wooden base has a groove at front to hold pens.

Historical NoteThis desk set was presented to President Kennedy by a former whaler, and great Kennedy admirer, who made this ensemble having been inspired by the events in the Solomon Islands and the PT 109. President Kennedy displayed this scrimshaw on his desk in the Oval Office.

Additional Details

Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it 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 SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1676966)

Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

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