President Roosevelt’s personally-owned and -used off-white linen handkerchief, folded to an overall size of 5.25 x 5.25, featuring an exquisite monogram embroidered in deep blue thread to imitate his signature, “FDR.” The handkerchief features a finely textured border and measures 17.5 x 18 when unfolded. Includes a detailed letter of provenance on White House letterhead from White House worker and wife of Arthur S. Prettyman, who had served as Roosevelt’s valet from 1939 until his death in 1945, and continued to work for President Truman until he left office, in 1953. In part: “It gives me pleasure to present to you a handkerchief owned and used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was given to my husband, Arthur S. Prettyman sometime after the start of World War II, by the President…The lovely fine white linen handkerchief was owned and used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt…His initials F. D. R. are embroidered on it in blue. This has been expertly done in the exact form of his own personal signature.” An impressive FDR relic in excellent condition.
