Lot 108
Truman, Harry S. Silverplated gravy ladle used by Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S Truman when they traveled by rail. Approximately 7½ inches long and stamped with identifying marks, "V-9-40". The ladle is accompanied by a letter of provenance from White House Technical Service Representative F.V. Ferguson, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and hand-dated May 8, 1984. Ferguson writes, in part: "…This silverplated gravy ladle #V-9-40 was always in the personal railcar of the President. It was kept in a specially constructed highboy, with the other silver, in the Presidential car. The President's private dining room was in his car and would seat approximately 12 people. After the 1948 'whistle-stop campaign', the President's gravy ladle was given to me. / The President's Pullman railcar was called the 'Connieott'. It was ¼ inch armor-plated with cold-rolled steel. The one inch thick tinted glass was bullet proof. It was the last car on the train and had an observation platform on the back for public addresses. The Secret Service had a separate car attached to the President's car. It was half parlor and half sleeping compartments. Military Aids, the speech writer, as well as the Secret Service rode there day and night. After President Truman the railcar was no longer used because of the total use of air transport. / My career at the White House spanned a twenty year period. I was the Technical Service Representative in charge of the Presidential limousine. I had the opportunity of working for some great men. And, they did not come much greater than Harry S Truman…."
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
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