Gavels from White House Wood
Washington, D.C.: c. 1927 and c. 1950
Generally 19th century pine, sometimes rosewood
9.75 inches long, 4 inches head (approximate, dimensions vary)
All gavels shown above are sold, please inquire as to current availability of similar items.
Custom stand $300 additional (optional)
Custom brass presentation tag $75 additional (optional)
White House Gavels
19th Century Relic Wood
19th Century Relic Wood
Various types of White House gavels that we have sold in the past, showing different woods and turnings are shown above: 1. Pine, dark stained (1920s edition); 2. Pine, faux grain paint; 3. Pine, unusually large; 4. Pine, medium dark stain; 5. Pine, light color; 6. Rosewood
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Above, from top: Close-up of a typical White House gavel, two details of head, optional custom display stand (at extra cost), and the stamped metal plate attached to stand.
Gavels of typical form, with turned heads and handles, made of relic White House wood, and issued as commemorative presentations or souvenirs.
The White House suffered considerable damage during the War of 1812, and by the early 20th century, major structural restoration of the building became necessary. Some reconstruction took place in 1902 and 1927 and White House relic wood gavels from roof materials were issued at that time by various organizations, who affixed their own labels or metal plates with commemorative inscriptions. The most commonly encountered example from this period, a simple pine gavel, has a silvered band inscribed as follows: “‘Certified by Centuries’/ Northern White Pine after 112 Years Service/ The White House Roof 1815 to 1927/ National Lumber Manufacturers Association.”
In 1948, when Harry S. Truman moved in to the White House, he ordered engineering reports which revealed remaining serious structural problems. From 1948 to 1952, further major renovations were undertaken to correct them. As in the 1920s renovation, 19th century “White House wood” was salvaged to make gavels. Gavels from this period are in a variety of turned forms and finishes, and usually have a brass band centered by a raised Presidential seal and imprinted “Original White House Material/ Removed in 1950.” Generally they are pine, some with enhanced grain painting, but others were made of rosewood, probably from an interior wood that was removed during renovation. These gavels were presented as mementos to various people by members of Truman’s cabinet, and by members of Congress (as indicated by labels and tags on extant examples). Presumably Truman himself presented some of the gavels as well. It is possible that gavels of White House wood produced during the Truman administration were also sold as souvenirs.
For desk or shelf display, we offer these gavels on custom-made stands. These stands are designed so that the gavel is held at an angle above a round disk simulating a pounding block, giving it the dynamic appearance of being in mid-motion. The gavel rests on two wire rods, and can easily be removed for use. These stands have optional hand-stamped metal label plates. Stands and plates are available at additional cost -- more information here.
Condition: Gavels vary depending on the example. Most very good overall with the usual light wear, minor indentations, chips, and scratches, mostly to mallet ends, all professionally restored.