Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Smithsonian Elephant
Artifact ID1981.00065.01
Object Type
Sculpture
Gifter
Jerome M. Eisenberg
Maker
Neal Deaton
(American artist and exhibition designer)
Date
1978
Medium
Metal (bronze), Paint, Wood
Dimensions6 × 4 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (15.2 × 11.4 × 8.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionA hand-painted cold cast bronze figurine of the “Smithsonian Elephant.” It is a 1/48th scale model of the original African Bush Elephant shot in Angola in 1955 and mounted for the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 by Neal Deaton and William L. Brown; the model was sculpted by Neal Eeaton in 1978. The elephant is mounted on an oval wood base and labeled with historical summation on the bottom and #2367 of a limited edition of 15,000. The label is signed by the artist Neal Deaton.Historical NoteThis cast bronze sculpture is a 1/48th scale model of the original 11-ton, 13-foot-tall African bush elephant shot in Angola in 1955 and mounted for the Smithsonian in 1957. "Henry," as he is known, has been on display in the museum's rotunda since 1959.
The gifter wrote to then-President-Elect Reagan, "Even though I am a devout Democrat, I am sending you this copy of our Smithsonian Elephant to serve as a good luck mascot in your four years ahead." President Reagan responded, "I appreciate your very thoughtful 'democratic' gesture and the good luck wishes that accompany it."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald 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 the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Neal Deaton 1978
Copyright or other proprietary rights are 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 these 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.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are 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 these 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.
In Collection(s)
Related Links
Additional Reagan Library archival holdings available at: WHORM Subject File Code: GI002 (Gifts to the President) Case File Number(s): 017970- 017994
Monday Minute: World Elephant Day