Gerald R. Ford Owned 15.75" Hand-Blown Zanetti Glass Elephant Figurine, With Steven Ford LOA

A hand-blown lead glass figurine made by famous Murano glass Maestro Licio Zanetti, from the personal collection of 38th U.S. President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006). The figurine depicts a trumpeting elephant perched on a suspended glass bubble globe. Artist signed "Zanetti L" on the underside of the globe. The elephant figurine had a Riekes Crisa sticker located on the globe in front of its rear left foot when it was first offered at auction in 2012; this has since been removed, but the adhesive imprint is still present. Expected surface wear including isolated scuffs. A small area of yellow discoloration located near the crease of the right ear suggests a repaired break. Else near fine. Measures approximately 15.75" h. x 4.75" w. x 7" d. Weighs approximately 10.06 lbs. Accompanied by a Heritage Auctions Letter of Authenticity signed by Gerald R. Ford's youngest son, Steven Ford (born 1956).

Career Republican Party politician Gerald R. Ford started collecting memorabilia related to elephants--the symbol of the Republican Party--as a U.S. Congressman from Michigan. Ford preserved the elephant-themed sculptures, stuffed animals, pins, posters, and other collectibles gifted to him, and displayed some in a designated "elephant room" located in the Fords' 6,300+-square-foot ranch abutting the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, about 120 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The Fords lived there from 1978 until their respective deaths (Gerald in 2006; Betty in 2011).

Provenance

The Ford-owned glass elephant figurine was offered at Heritage Auctions as Lot 38314 at their December 11, 2012 sale; the item was accompanied by the Steven Ford signed LOA included here. The LOA includes the original lot description, as well as Steven Ford's certification:

"16-in. blown lead glass figurine of an elephant balancing on a globe. A sticker indicates it was hand-crafted in Italy by Riekes Crisa. President Ford had a large collection of elephants from the time he first entered Congress. This elephant is from his personal collection and was displayed in his home office in Rancho Mirage, California. Proceeds of this auction will be used for the new Student Learning Center being developed by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

I certify that the lot listed above came from the personal collection of my father and mother, Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford.

[Signed] Steven Ford
12/1/2012."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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