President Truman’s personally-owned and -used flashlight with a chrome and red plastic handle, measuring 7″ long, with a metal spring-like protector surrounding a period Westinghouse bulb. The flashlight retains its black power cord with a direct-current power plug, and is presented in its original quality leather case with brass clasp, embossed on the flap in gold lettering, “Harry S. Truman.” This historic relic includes a detailed letter of provenance on White House letterhead from White House doorman Carl W. Ferguson. In part: “The leather engraved flashlight case and enclosed flashlight was given to me by President Harry S. Truman…I was near the President on numerous occasions in my capacity as White House Doorman. On this day we were alone in his Office. President Truman gave me this personal possession in 1947. It was an honor to be offered something personal. The President said, ‘Ferguson, this thing plugs in your car and lights up. But now that they drive me every where in that big old limousine I don’t have anything to plug it into.’ I really admired and respected President Truman.” An automobile flashlight, such as this, that could be plugged in to a cigarette lighter was quite common in the 1940–1950s as a handy tool to illuminate street signs and house numbers at night. The provenance letter reveals insight into President Truman’s thoughtfulness and sense of humor. A relic of fascinating note, offering an interesting glimpse into the daily life of one of the great American presidents.
