Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Mexico Chest
Artifact ID1981.02515.01a-d
Object Type
Box, Presentation
Gifter
José López Portillo
Date
1981
Medium
Wood (cherrywood), Metal (silver), Ivory, Fabric (suede, velvet)
Dimensions3 1/4 × 2 1/4 × 5/8 in. (8.3 × 5.7 × 1.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionA cherrywood chest (.01a) with silver hardware and ivory bas-reliefs depicting the seal of the US and Mexico. The chest has two hinged doors on the front with white plaques, each depicting a side portrait of a male. The chest has ornate silver detailing overall, starting with four hinges on the sides of the doors that wrap around the box and a locking hinge of silver in the center front. The top of the box has an engraved silver plaque and two white relief carved seals, one of the United States and one of Mexico. The top of the box has a three-sided border made of silver. There are two large handles on the side of the chest. The chest stands on four silver feet. The inside of the box is divided into two sections and lined with suede. Also inside is a separate small silver box (.01b) lined with suede containing the silver key for the chest (.01c). The silver box is kept inside a small red velvet bag (.01d)Historical NoteThe chest originally contained a pair of ostrich eggs in silver filigree, which were retained by President Reagan. The entire set was given during a meeting at Camp David June 8, 1981. President Reagan wrote in his diary, "Pres. L.P. & exchanged gifts. And as usual he topped me a beautiful western sculpture, a magnificent book & the model of the Lincoln statue hes had erected in Tia Juana [Tijuana]."
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
In Collection(s)
Related LinksPresident Reagan's Diary entry for Monday, June 8, 1981
Photograph: Visit of President Jose Lopez Portillo of Mexico, Trip to Camp David 06/08/1981: c02343-01 c02345-01 02340-01
