1981.73.1; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Round Pipe Rack

Artifact ID1981.73.1

Date Unknown

Medium wood, metal, leather, thread

DimensionsOverall H 7 1/4 in x Diam 5 1/2 in (18.4 cm x 14 cm)

Physical DescriptionA wooden pipe rack has a round base with three pieces of semicircular stitched leather attached to it. A vertical piece of wood adhered to the back of the base supports a small round piece of wood that has three semicircular shapes in it. A metal ring protrudes from the top.
Historical NoteSoviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev gifted this pipe rack to President Gerald Ford in February 1976. President Ford was widely known as a pipe smoker. On February 18, 1976, Ford wrote Brezhnev a note thanking him for the pipes: “I also want to express my gratitude for the splendid pipes and blend of tobacco which I recently received through the courtesy of Ambassador Dobrynin. You may be sure this gift will provide many hours of enjoyment. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.” Ford likely never smoked these particular pipes for security reasons.Additional Details

Custodial History NoteA foreign official gifted the item to President Gerald R. Ford during his term in office. It was processed through the President’s White House Office of Correspondence, White House Gift Unit in 1976 and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)

National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)

Use Restriction Status Unrestricted

Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

Collections

Head of State Gifts