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Francesco Basile Wristwatch
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Francesco Basile Wristwatch
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Francesco Basile Wristwatch

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.711082
Object Type Wristwatch
Gifter
Manufacturer (Founded 1870)
Artist (Italian)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium metal (steel, rose gold), glass, leather, gemstone (diamond)
DimensionsOverall H 1/2 in x W 1 3/4 in x D 9 1/2 in (1.3 cm x 4.4 cm x 24.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionSilver-toned wrist watch with a glass face revealing rose gold background of mechanisms and the cross of Nicola da Guardiagrele, a goldsmith from Abruzzo where the watch was made, inside the cross is line art designed by Luciano Primavera, a painter and sculptor from the same area. Around the trim of the face are eight diamonds shaped like stars. The silver colored gears within the watch are visible beneath cross. There are two dials, centered are black hour and minute hands in in a smaller dial to the left is the second hand. Tuning knob is on the right of the watch with Francesco Basile logo. The back of the watch is also glass, revealing the numerous gears within.
Historical NoteReceived as a leader gift during the 2009 G8 Summit in Italy.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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