President Taft’s exceptional personally-owned and -used two-piece inkwell desk set, consisting of a robust glass inkwell set upon an ornate silver base, with a hinged silver top nicely hand-engraved in the center of a raised design, “W. H. T.,” with “1910” engraved below, featuring delicate flourishes of artistry on either side. The inkwell itself measures 3 x 4.25 x 3 and has a gorgeous starburst pattern engraved on the bottom. The base measures 6 x 6 with gently curved edges decorated by an elegant raised floral vine design, with similarly elaborate corner pieces raised in the center to secure the inkwell. On the bottom are makers’ stamps reading, “Barbour Silver Co., Silver, Quadruple,” and “2385.” Includes a detailed letter of provenance on White House letterhead from 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. In part: "This handsome desk set or ink well was owned and used by President William Howard Taft. This ornate desk set is made of superior quality quadruple silver-plate…The silver ink well top was elegantly hand-engraved…It was given to my mother during the rush to pack the belongings of the Taft family to make way for the new First Family. President and Mrs. Wilson (Ellen Louise Wilson) moved into the White House on March 4, 1913. My 'Mama' Maggie Rogers was 'First Maid' of the White House and was often with Mrs. Taft and close by was the President." Also accompanied by an unsigned image of William Howard Taft and one of Mrs. Taft’s personal visiting cards. This ornate inkwell set is of the highest quality and represents an exquisite desk piece actually used by President Taft in the White House. From the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
