October 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, October 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2020
Scarce, and possibly the only one extant, Presidential podium plaque, used by Dwight D. Eisenhower as President whenever he was speaking from a podium. This very rare example was used by President Eisenhower for a brief time, from 4 July 1959 until 4 July 1960, between the time 49 stars were used to represent Alaska's entry into the Union, and 50 stars were used to represent Hawaii's entry. Hand-painted fiberglass plaque features the Great Seal of the United States in high relief, surrounded by 49 raised white stars, and then ''Seal of the President of the United States'' in raised blue lettering. Finished in gold on the rim. With hook on back and painter's signature, ''Painted by Ann Goshdigian''. Plaque measures 15.5'' in diameter, larger than contemporary Presidential plaques, which have decreased in size over the years. Note that official and authentic White House plaques from this time period are made of fiberglass to prevent damage if they fell.
Plaque comes from the collection of Ludwell B. Pruett, who worked in the Flag Mission of the Quartermaster General's Clothing & Textile Material Division from 1958-61, and was responsible for all flags originating from the U.S. Army Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, the facility responsible for producing all White House flags. Pruett would continue to work in the Flag Mission until 1961, when flag procurement was transferred to the Department of Defense. The plaque was given to Pruett by his commanding officer, Lieutenant General Andrew T. McNamara, Quartermaster General from June 1957-June 1961. With an LOA from the family of Ludwell Pruett, and with copies of documents from Pruett's employment with the Quartermaster General.
Official Presidential Podium Plaque Used in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Administration -- Rare 49-Star Plaque Represents Alaska's Entry Into the Union
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