Beautiful custom-made game table, made by White House carpenters from White House trees, circa 1950, and later presented to longtime White House favorite, Maitre d’ Charles Ficklin. Multi-purpose game table measures 30 x 30 and stands on four folding 26″ legs. Table top is very skillfully inlaid with various types of wood for several games including checkers, chess, and backgammon. Accompanied by a detailed 2010 letter of provenance on White House letterhead from Ficklin’s son, James, which reads, in part: “This handsome 30″ x 30″ game table was skillfully handmade from White House trees—circa 1950. Using trees and trimmings from the White House lawn, this unique table was made by a highly skilled and artistic White House carpenter in the White House carpentry shop. It was presented to my father, Charles E. Ficklin (1913–1977), who was Maitre De [sic] at the White House.” Also included is a color photo of Raleigh DeGeer Amyx posing with Ficklin’s son and grandson, together with the table, as well as a photocopy of a picture of Charles and his brother, John Ficklin, at the White House. In fine condition. A meticulously hand-crafted piece quite suitable for White House use. President Eisenhower himself was an avid card player, excelling in both poker and bridge, and earning himself a reputation as being quite the card sharp, even forcing his son to abandon him as a bridge partner due to his competitiveness. In addition to its historical significance, this offering stands on its own as a masterful work of art.
