Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Boucheron Purse
Artifact ID1985.00117.02
Object Type
Purse
Maker
Boucheron
(French jewellery house, founded 1858)
Date
c.1980
Medium
Metal (gold), Stone (diamond)
DimensionsOverall: 3 3/4 x 6 1/2 x 1 3/4 in. (9.5 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionA gold evening purse or minaudière. The design mimics the square pattern of a basketweave but at an angle, with alternating gold and silver wefts and all gold warps, giving a gold with silver speckled appearance. There is gold rope trim at the edges. A diamond flourish is at the clasp, and Nancy Reagan's initials NR are in the upper left corner. Inside, there is a beveled mirror.Historical NoteA minaudière was a large jewelry piece made of precious metals and often jeweled, that functions as an evening bag, and is often made by a jeweler rather than fashion designer. The purse was made Boucheron, and was given by the King of Saudi Arabia during a state visit in 1985. President and Mrs. Reagan reviewed the gifts the king had brought, including the purse, before the state dinner February 11, 1985.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to 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