221. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S MARTINI TRAY! One of the most unusual Franklin D. Roosevelt relics we have had the privilege to offer, a 16" dia. wooden tray bearing an inlaid bust portrait of F.D.R. The tray was given to one of F.D.R.'s personal valets, Arthur S. Prettyman who served him from 1939 to 1945. Prettyman was present at F.D.R.'s death at Warm Springs. It was Prettyman and Roosevelt's personal physician who carried him to his bed on April 12, 1945. The tray is a accompanied by a letter from Prettyman's wife attesting to the provenance and Prettyman's close relationship with the president. She writes in part: "...President Roosevelt had five different Valets during his long and distinguished political career. President Roosevelt once said of his Valet, 'You are my lifeline...' Their position of trust did not keep FDR from poking fun at his Valets. He enjoyed their company. He was close to his Valets. Being the Valet to President Roosevelt was grueling work. There was so little that the President could do for himself physically that a Valet had to be like two people. Everything connected with the bedroom involved the Valet. Much lifting of the President's heavy body...The President was always making a fuss over him. He kidded him about having a pretty face-like his name.... When FDR died... it was my husband and Dr. Bruenn that carried him to his bed in Warm Springs...President Harry S Truman kept him as his Valet until they both 'retired' in 1953... Arthur did serve the President a Martini on this tray on more than once occasion. It is also true that the President usually mixed his own drinks...". Framed together with the letter of provenance in a handsome presentation with linen mat. A wonderful F.D.R. relic, ready for display. Not examined out of frame. $1,500-200