President Harding’s personally-owned and -used leather writing case. Black leather case, made by Cross of London, is impressively embossed on the front cover in gold, “Warren G. Harding, Marion, Ohio,” measures 12.75 x 9.5, has two brass corners, and four pockets and leaves inserts. Accompanied by a detailed 1982 letter of provenance, on White House letterhead, by Lillian Rogers Parks, who was a best selling author as well as housekeeper and seamstress at the White House for over 30 years, from President Hoover through President Eisenhower. Letter reads, in part: “This handsome leather writing case was owned and used by President Warren G. Harding. When the President died suddenly on August 2, 1923, the First Lady, Florence Kling Harding gave it to my mama, Maggie Rogers, First Maid of the White House…My mother was closer to Mrs. Harding…This was used by the President in Ohio as well as Washington, D. C.” In fine condition, with expected light wear. A first-class presidential relic and, according to our research, the first of its format—of any president—ever offered for sale.
