Americana Exceptional Auction
Lot 83:
Description
Circa 1930s-40s Ronson “De-Light” cane lighter, a scarce piece of tobacciana in its own right. Measures about 35-1/2″ long. It’s the “FDR” engraved on the outer part of the lighter that’s interesting, given its provenance. This piece is from the estate of an Army major who worked in the White House Military Office under Kennedy. This major was lifelong friends with J.B. West, the chief White House usher, whose first White House position was the assistant to the usher under Howell Crim, chief usher under Franklin D. Roosevelt. West left several items to the major, including Mamie Eisenhower’s bedside table and a pair of table lamps from the Rose Bedroom (from JFK’s administration). These items — the table and the lamps — are also in today’s auction. HOWEVER, try as we might, we cannot definitively tie the walking stick to Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it could be nothing more than an fascinating coincidence. But it is fascinating. This item can be shipped in-house. Multiple lot combined shipping may require 3rd Party shipping.
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