Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Beatle Pin
Artifact ID1985.00222.11a-b
Object Type
Pin
Date
20th Century
Medium
Metal (18kt gold), Stone (Diamond), Beetle
Dimensions(a) 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
(b) 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA set of two pins made of real iridescent beetle wings, with gold bodies set with diamonds.(b) 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Historical NoteThe Thai people consider the beetles a symbol of good luck, and beetlewing art is made in Thailand, usually with Sternocera aequisignata, a wood–boring beetle known for its emerald color. Queen Sirikit gave them to Nancy Reagan during a private dinner at the White House in her honor. The pins were made by workers in one of the Queen's projects, the Support Foundation, which was established to help the Thai people with jobs and training.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/Culture