Saudi Arabian Egg with Clock
Artifact ID1985.00117.01a-d
Object Type
Clock
Maker
Asprey
(British jeweler and luxury goods manufacterer, founded 1781)
Date
20th Century
Medium
Metal (gold), Gemstone (diamond), Enamel, Leather
DimensionsOverall: 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (3.8 x 3.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionA gold desk clock (.01b) is set inside a red enameled egg with a gold interior (.01a). The clock has two hinged doors, with the Saudi seal on the left door and the U.S. Presidential seal on the right door. The doors are surrounded by diamond chips. The clock has a miniature gold easel that can be set on the outside of the egg (.01c). Included with the clock and egg is a black leather box for storage (.01d).Historical NoteThis red and gold enameled egg on a gold stand holds several secrets inside. There is a small gold easel. On the left side is the emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-two crossed swords below a palm tree-worked in gold on a green surrounded by diamonds. On the right is the Seal of the President of the United States in gold on blue surrounded by diamonds. These are hinged, and open to further reveal a clock with floral design on red background. The egg was made by Asprey of London, 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 egg, before the state dinner February 11, 1985. President and Mrs. Reagan displayed the egg in the family bedroom in the White House Residence for the rest of the administration.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and was on display in the White House 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/CultureSaudi ArabiaPlace MadeEnglandIn Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryNancy Reagan: A First Lady’s Style (2007-2008), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library;
Symbols of Diplomacy (1993-1994), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library