American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Straw boater hat with cloth band signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, approx. 4 in. ht., 10 3/4 in. diam., similar to that worn by Roosevelt’s political ally and 1932 Democratic opponent for the presidential nomination Al Smith (light wear to hat, signature on cloth band slightly faded with age).

Provenance: Signed in person and obtained by Michigan Senator Arthur Vandenberg (1884-1951) at the Gridiron Dinner at the Willard Hotel, 10 April 1937. The annual occasion was a gathering of both Republicans and Democrats. A prominent Republican, one-time President pro tempore, and UN Delegate, Vandenberg initially supported Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, and later opposed war with Japan. Vandenberg was a Truman supporter as the Cold War emerged. Consignor relates that the hat was given to Vandenberg’s son, Arthur, Jr., who gifted it to his attorney when defended for his removal from government service, remaining in that family until the present day.