President Harding’s personally-owned and -used ink well, presented by Florence Harding to White House maid Maggie Rogers after the president’s passing. Stunning ink well stands 1.25? high, has a clear crystal base, and a metal top (pewter or nickel-silver), trimmed in brass, which bears the older version of the Seal of the President of the United States. Accompanied by a 1982 detailed 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 ink well was owned and used by President Warren G. Harding. When the President died in August 1923, the First Lady, Florence Harding gave it to my Mama, Maggie Rogers, First Maid of the White House. This was during the few days Mrs. Harding was packing so that President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge could move into the White House…This item was used in the Oval Office for a time as well as the President’s private study.” In fine condition, with expected light wear. An exemplary presidential relic intended for a collector with exquisite taste. From the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
