WHITE HOUSE 1950 Renovation Original Wood Gavel with Concentric Rings

Description

This is a unique, turned gavel made with original White House wood with the authentication plaque attached. The original pieces of wood for this gavel were supplied by the Renovation Commission’s memento program during President Harry Truman’s ca. 1950 renovation of the White House. It was offered as “Kit No. 1” – “Enough old pine to make a gavel”.

I have seen a number of gavels crafted with original White House wood over the years, but this has a very uniquely designed head. The woodworker used many concentric circles to make this one very interesting. It was from the estate, and possibly made by a former Cape May, NJ court Judge, Jonathan Woodnutt Acton, Jr. The original small bronze authentication plate is attached to the handle. It reads “Original White House Material Removed in 1950” surrounding the Presidential seal. For some reason, the maker used small brass wood screws to attach the plate instead of the original small pins that were supplied with the plate. The gavel head measures 4 inches across, and the total length is 11 inches. One side of the head features an “X” inlaid in the wood. It is a nice solid gavel with slight typical wear from use but still is in excellent condition.

Also included is a signed COA from WhiteHouseRelics.com.