Inlaid Chest

Elaborately inlaid chest of tortoise shell and ivory. Chest has nine compartments, of which the center d drawer is a "secret" compartment appearing to be only a decorative panel. The other 8 drawers have small brass pulls. Inlaid ivory on the 6 outer drawers depict mermaids and nymphs playing musical instruments. On the face of this is carved a coat of arms and the initials "F.D.R." and "C.A.A.d R." On the lower center drawer is inscription: "Jorge Cueva E Quito Equador 1942." Elaborate decorations continue throughout the chest, except the back and the bottom, with four bun feet. Presented to FDR by Carlos A. Arroyo del Rio, President of the Republic of Equador on the occassion of his visit to the United States in November 1942. FDR Library Museum Collection, MO 1943.161.2.