Hand-painted gilt-edged porcelain ashtray presented to Dwight D. Eisenhower by Spanish leader Francisco Franco, featuring the presidential seal at center, with the bottom inscribed in red, "Excmo Señor Dwight D. Eisenhower," "Excmo Señor Francisco Franco Bahamonde," and "Palacio de Oriente, 21 Diciembre 1959, Madrid." The center bears the maker's stamp, "Santa Clara, Vigo, MAH, España, Decorado a Mano." In fine condition. President Eisenhower made an important visit to Spain in December 1959, which signaled the rehabilitation of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in the eyes of NATO. The two toured downtown Madrid in an open-top car, waving to the hundreds of thousands that lined the streets, and Ike was treated to a gala dinner at the Palacio de Oriente. In the years that followed, Spain's embrace of Western capitalism helped its faltering economy recover and bloom into an era of newfound prosperity. A desirable token representing the power of diplomacy on the international stage. From the collection of Brigadier General Robert L. Schulz, longtime military aide to Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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