During his presidency, Roosevelt was active in the protection of wild nature and the hunting regulation. Everybody knew that after the completion of his term the United States would not suffice to this keen outdoorsman. After the election of Taft in November 1908, Roosevelt prepared for the following year a gigantic safari in Africa under the scientific banner of the Smithsonian Institution.
This strong personality had friends across the political spectrum. On September 10 in Rock Island IL, RIAC sells a magnificent hunting knife presented to Roosevelt by judge Gerard, a member of the Democratic Party, on March 4, 1909, the last day of President Teddy at the White House. It is estimated in excess of $ 150K, lot 1020.
This knife is a piece of jewelry with its carved grip made by Dreicer and Co in New York in yellow gold and white gold on a platinum background. The pommel is a big eagle head with eyes in red garnet. The guard is decorated with bear heads also in the round. The blade is signed by the cutlers J. Russell and Co.
Arms linked with the 1909 safari are appreciated by connoisseurs. The Fox shotgun used by Roosevelt was sold for $ 862K including premium by James D. Julia in October 2010.
The knife offered by Gerard certainly did not follow the former president in Africa. It brought some concern to the security services in 1976 when Mrs. Ethel Roosevelt Derby aged 85 wanted to board it in a plane to Seattle. This weapon was returned to the old lady after landing and given by her two days later as a wedding present to her granddaughter. It was used to cut the cake.
SOLD for $ 360K before fees
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