A FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT STRAW BOATER. A gentleman's 'Superfine' straw boater not with flat c...

A FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT STRAW BOATER. A gentleman's 'Superfine' straw boater not with flat crown, wide brim, black grosgrain ribbon, silk and leather interior by Knox of New York, size 7 2/16ths, serial number LS 16596 to interior leather lining. H: 9.5 cm; W: 31 cm; D: 35 cm. Provenance: Gift of Eleanor Roosevelt to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Entrup; by descent through the family (letter); sold Alexander Autographs, June 24, 1997, lot 1063, to the present owner. The straw boater was a popular summer accessory for both men and women in the 1890s to the 1930s. The Knox Hat Company, founded in New York in 1838, was one of the most elegant hatmakers of the period and their Brooklyn hat factory was the largest in the world. Franklin Roosevelt often sported a straw boater, particularly in the earlier years of his career (see attached illustration). Mr. and Mrs. Lester Entrup served as Eleanor Roosevelt's handymen, cooks and housekeepers at Val-Kill for approximately 15 years. In a notarized statement dated March 10, 1997 (present here), their son relates how Mrs. Roosevelt gifted the present boater to his parents among other FDR memorabilia during their years of service, and how the items, including the 'Knox Superfine 'boater' hat, serial number LS 16596, size 7 2/16,' descended to him upon their death. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing