Silver-plated gravy ladle used by both Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman while traveling on the presidential railcar, The Magellan, measuring 7.5″ long, impressed on the reverse of the handle with the code “V-9-40.” Includes a detailed and historic letter of provenance on White House letterhead from F. Vaughn Ferguson, who was a technical service representative at the White House. In part: “The silver gravy ladle was used many times by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman as President, whenever they traveled by rail. This would have been particularly during Presidential Campaigns. This silverplated gravy ladle #V-9-40 was always in the personal railcar of the President. It was kept in a specially constructed highboy, with the other silver, in the Presidential car. The President’s private dining room was in the car and would seat approximately 12 people. After the 1948 ‘whistle-stop campaign,’ the President’s gravy ladle was given to me.” Ferguson goes on to describe at length the president’s railcar and his service at the White House. In excellent condition. A scarce and highly desirable presidential relic that traveled the rail for many years with two of America’s greatest presidents.
