1987.166.1 a; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Shepherd's Axe

Artifact ID1987.166.1 a

Date before 1976

Medium wood, metal

DimensionsOverall H 32 in x W 3 in (81.3 cm x 7.6 cm )

Physical DescriptionAn axe features a silver head incised with a flower and a crosscut design along the edges. A small amber-colored gemstone precedes a design made of curved lines that are near the blade. The blade is covered with a curved piece of metal, which has a matching design. The wooden handle is decorated with a pattern of vertical dark brown lines organized in horizontal round bands. A vertical piece of metal attached to small red rings decorates the upper half of the handle.
Historical NotePolish leader Edward Gierek gifted axe to President Ford's son Jack in July 1975. Jack Ford accompanied his parents on their trip to Poland preceding the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in Helsinki, Finland. A shepherd’s axe is a long, thin instrument which combines an axe and a walking stick. It is traditionally used by shepherds in what is now Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.Additional Details

Custodial History NoteA foreign official gifted the item to Jack Ford during the Ford Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President 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