Platter

This platter was a Christmas gift to Ike and Mamie from members of the Manila, Philippines bridge club. The sterling silver tray is part of an eight piece set for cocktails. The engraving reads; "Merry Xmas to Ike and Mamie, "The Old Bridge Gang," Manila, 1938 and the signatures of nine people and "Bid 1 Should Have Made 2-Down 3". Marked on back "Sterling/ [mark of the Webster Co.] / 16879"�.

By 1933, Eisenhower had become a trusted aide of the new Chief of Staff of the Army, General Douglas MacArthur. From 1935 to 1939, Eisenhower served on MacArthur's staff in the Philippines, assisting the Philippine government in forging a defense establishment for the territory. While in Manila, Ike and Mamie made many friends among fellow officers and the Filipinos, including Philippine President Manuel Quezon.