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Bluegrass One
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Bluegrass One
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bluegrass One

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.02232013-5-1
Object Type Banjo
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 2012
Medium wood (maple, walnut), leather, metal, plastic, paint, adhesive, stain, lacquer
DimensionsOverall H 4 5/8 in x W 13 1/2 in x D 37 in (11.7 cm x 34.3 cm x 94 cm )
Physical DescriptionHandcrafted banjo with patriotic custom engravings. The center of the body is engraved with the U.S. Presidential Seal and President Barack Obama's signature. The headstock is stained with red and blue to resemble a waving American flag. Below the fingerboard is a layered carved red and blue star. The tailpiece is a darker wood engraved with the maker's name and portrait.
The reverse of the neck is engraved with text, and beneath the inscription is an inset metal medallion of the seal of North Carolina. Inset in the center of the body is a depiction of Uncle Sam in a circle surrounded with stars, stained red and blue.
The banjo strap is connected to the body with two metal medallions: the head of a one dollar coin at the top and the tail at the bottom. Embossed on the strap in cursive script is "Bluegrass One" accented with a stamped "Levy's" and on the other end is a stamp logo for the maker, Eddie Ray Hamrick.
Historical NoteThe 1840-style banjo was given to President Barack Obama during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The Obama banjo is nicknamed Bluegrass One. Eddie Hamrick crafted the body of the banjo. Ken Minyard did most of the engraving, along with Bobby Holland of Jay Jay Trophies, Inc.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the 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 SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
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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