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Authentication Value
Most of the pieces found in collections are As far as the values of White House relics
identified in some way. Many of the earlier and souvenirs are concerned, it’s difficult to
renovation relics were identified with a paper place a definitive price on most pieces. Many
tag or accompanying letter of provenance. examples you may come across are unique and
Later pieces, beginning with the 1927 reno- one-of-a-kind. In these cases, it really depends
vation usually had some type of metal on the situation. Every transaction is different
identification plate attached. The National depending on the negotiations between the
Lumber Manufacturers Association’s buyer and seller at that time. At auction, it
“Certified By Centuries” tags were among the depends on the number of bidders and can
most often seen. Truman’s Renovation even be affected by media coverage.
Commission Souvenir Office issued a small Many variables factor into pricing these
metal plaque reading “Original White House unique pieces. Condition is always important.
Material Removed in 1950” with each On souvenir pieces, workmanship is a factor.
memento kit mailed out. Beautiful and professional workmanship is
Authentication is extremely important always desirable. Gavels made with original
when purchasing and valuing an item for any White House wood are a fitting example of
collection. As with any type of antique or this. Some gavels are very simple, and some
collectible, the more documentation you are extremely well made, depending on the
These Lucite desk ornaments were only available to
Members of Congress, VIPs or others connected to have the more interesting and valuable it experience of the maker and their wood-
Truman’s renovation. Two versions were made, this is is to a collector. It’s important to know the turning skills. A plain, simple gavel might sell
the larger one sold at $5 each. The smaller ones were reputation of the seller. for $150-$200 while an elaborate professionally
sold for $3.50 each. Almost 1,100 were produced. made one would bring $700-$800. As with
any other collectible, documentation and
provenance of a piece can affect its value greatly.
Some of the White House bricks made Probably the best sources to use to find a
their way to the Seventh World Boy Scout rough idea of selling prices are online
Jamboree in Austria in 1951. Arthur A. auctions. Recent price results may give an idea
Schuck, chief U.S. Scout Executive, presented as to the relative value of a piece. Older price
them to scout representatives from free results may not accurately reflect today’s
nations. He said, “These bricks shall be a values. Over the last 20 years or so, there has
token of world understanding”. They were been a slow but steady increase in the value of
“given as a symbol of American friendship to White House-related relics and souvenirs. It
Boy Scout homes in all corners of the earth”. is, without a doubt, a field with limited
The Renovation Commission also honored quantities available and great interest.
a request by George Washington’s Mount The more knowledge you, as a collector,
Vernon for about 95,000 of the original have in any field of collecting, especially this
bricks. They were used and can be viewed one, the wiser the decision you can make
and enjoyed today in the reconstructed when you find a piece for sale. With patience,
Greenhouse and several of the garden walls. knowledge, persistence, and good timing
The Smithsonian Institution and several there are still good deals to be found. White
Presidential Libraries have relics and souvenirs House relics and souvenirs can sometimes be
on display. Among the best is the Harry S. a challenge to find but the effort is well worth
Truman Library in Independence, MO. the time you put into it.
Excess White House mantles were distributed Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
to nine museums around the country with the construction of the West Wing, in 2002, a very Below: Typical construction scene inside the White
most given to the Smithsonian. limited number of these were made for special gifts. House on Jan.23, 1951. This shows a view from the
Lincoln Room. Abbie Rowe, NPS photographer photo

Left:This is a busy scene at the Fort Myer Souvenir Office on May 18, 1951. These are just a few of the 5,000 bricks shipped out from Jan. to Nov. 1951.
M/Sgt. Charles Stull (left) and Captain James Little (right) are shown to be hard at work. Abbie Rowe, NPS photographer photo

22 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles