Americana Exceptional Auction
Lot 11:
Description
Possibly the largest piece ever offered at auction that was constructed entirely of material salvaged from the Truman White House renovation, made by the White House Carpenter Shop. This is a Federal style tilt-top table with an embossed brass badge on the base that reads, “Original White House Material Removed in 1950.” Made as a retirement present for long-time White House Chief Usher, J.B. West (1912-1983, served in the White House from 1941-1969). The top has a large circle of pasted down, varnished paper. Printed in the center, “This table is gratefully presented to J. Bernard West by his White House friends, 1941-1969. Copied from an original in the White House Collection, this table was made in the White House Carpenter Shop from timber used in the late 18th century construction of the President’s House.” Surrounding the printed inscription is a huge number of signatures, most all of them live. A few are printed, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and possibly a few others. But the vast majority appear to be live signatures. J.B. West’s tenure as assistant to the WH usher — and later Chief Usher — spanned the Roosevelt to the Nixon administrations, and his role kept him in daily contact with the First Family. Provenance: From the White House staff to J.B. West. From J.B. West to Clark Dobson & John Horner. Dobson and Horner were personal friends of West’s. Horner was an Army major attached to the WHMO (White House Military Office) during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. This table is unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic, without reservation or time limit. Measures about 29-3/4″ diameter and 31″ high. This item will need to be shipped by a packing company of your choice. We maintain a list of reliable shippers, or you may choose your own.
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