Violin
Artifact IDMO 63.533a
Object Type
Violin
Date
1961
Date Presented10/30/63
Gifter
Paul Czapor
Maker
Paul Czapor
(American, born Poland)
Medium
Mahogany, maple, poplar, birch and ebony
DimensionsOverall H 36 in x W 16 in x D 11 in (91.4 cm x 40.6 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionHandmade violin with an inlaid American flag on the reverse and inlaid strips of wood of alternating color around the sides of the instrument. The violin was made from 271 pieces of various woods.
Historical NoteAlthough employed in various capacities as a laborer and machinist in the steel mills of Cleveland, Ohio, Paul A. Czapor (1892-1964) was also a skilled self-taught cabinet maker who at the age of 61 taught himself to make violins as a hobby. This violin, with its intricate stars and stripes inlay on the reverse, is reportedly the ninth instrument that Czapor made and took him 249 hours to complete. Czapor, accompanied by his son Bruno and US Representative Charles A. Vanik, presented the violin to Press Secretary Pierre Salinger at the White House as a gift for President Kennedy on October 30, 1963. Years later, when asked by a reporter why Czapor made the instrument for Kennedy, a family friend said, "Paul just loved that man, that's all."
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President in 1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1677327)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these 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 the user’s responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.In Collection(s)
Not on view