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Lot 15

FDR'S DEMOCRAT DONKEY TOY FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.
Toy donkey, in plush fabric, wood, and leather,

14 October 2020, 13:00 EDT
New York

US$2,000 - US$3,000

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FDR'S DEMOCRAT DONKEY TOY FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

Toy donkey, in plush fabric, wood, and leather, approximately 350 x 430 x 90 mm, with wooden wheels on each foot, joined by two steel axles, electrical cord (for sound?) protruding from left front leg.
Provenance: Isacc Esperancilla, valet to Presidents Coolidge, Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower (with White House card signed by Esperancilla's widow).

This plush toy donkey with a saddle on it lived in the private residence of the White House during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency for the amusement of his grandchildren. The symbolism of riding a donkey, the mascot of the Democratic party, was undoubtedly intentional, even if the joke was lost on the children.

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