American Eagle Pocket Knife
Artifact ID1982.00504.01-.02
Object Type
Knife, Pocket
Maker
Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Polk
(Fort Smith, AR)
Gifter
Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Polk
Maker
Max Kissler
(Fort Smith, AR)
Maker
J.R. Mack
(Fort Smith, AR)
Date
1982
Medium
Metal (nickel, silver, stainless steel), Ivory, Wood
DimensionsCase: 4 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 1 in. (11.4 × 8.9 × 2.5 cm)
Knife: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionA pocket knife with a carved ivory inlay with an American eagle motif with text stating “THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.” (.01) The metal blades are engraved “Polk” and “A-1.” The pocket knife is enclosed in a wooden case designed to resemble the state of Arkansas. The case inside features an American flag insert reflected above the niche for the pocket knife. The outside top of the lid is engraved “POLK,” and the back of the case is engraved “ESPECIALLY BUILT FOR PRESIDENT REAGAN.” The knife is handcrafted By Clifton Polk; the scrimshaw is by Mrs. Polk, engraved by Max Kissler; and the case is by J.R. Mack.Knife: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
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 - 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.
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryThe Public Vaults (2014), National Archives;
Tokens and Treasures: Gifts to Twelve Presidents (1996-1997), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and National Archives Building
Related LinksEntry in the National Archives Catalog: The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Pocketknife