1982.84; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Crystal Vase with Poland's Official Crest
Artifact ID1982.84
Object Type
Vase
Gifter
Henryk Jablonski
Gifter
Piotr Jaroszewicz
Gifter
Edward Gierek
Date
before 1976
Medium
crystal
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x Diam 4 1/4 in (38.1 cm x 10.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA cylindrical, transparent vase is separated into sections by three horizontal lines that divide it in equal parts. A frosted image of an eagle decorates the front.Historical NoteEdward Gierek, First Secretary of the United Polish Workers Party, Piotr Jaroszewicz, Prime Minister of Poland, and Henryk Jabłoński, Chairman of the Council of State, gifted this crystal vase to President Ford in July 1975. Ford visited Poland as part of the diplomatic trip surrounding his participation in the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki, Finland. A Polish white eagle is etched into the vase. The white eagle is the traditional symbol of Poland and appears on the country’s coat of arms. Although the modern coat of arms depicts a crowned eagle, following World War II the communist Polish People’s Republic removed the crown from the white eagle emblem, as it appears on this vase.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteA foreign official gifted the item to President Gerald R. Ford during his term in office. It was presented to him and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President 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.
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