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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Sword and Scabbard
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Sword and Scabbard

Artifact IDMO 63.2345a-b
Object Type Sword
Date 20th Century
Gifter
Place MadeNiger, Africa
Medium Steel, brass, textile, leather
DimensionsOverall H 24 in x W 5 in (61 cm x 12.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionDouble edged steel blade with forked hilt. The blade tapers to a point. The leather scabbard has a decorated circular arm band attached toward the top.
Historical NoteThis sword was a gift to President Kennedy from President Hamani Diori of Niger. President Diori had first been in contact early in Kennedy's presidency, after meeting Edward Kennedy and other members of the U.S. Senate in Abidjan, West Africa. In a letter to the White House dated March 1, 1961, President Diori expressed his hope that continued meetings between representatives from America and those of newly independent African nations would "enable our two peoples to understand each other better and will strengthen the ties of friendship that now unite Niger and the United States."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy from Hamani Diori, President of the Republic of Niger. It was donated 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 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