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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Well, He Thought, Since the President Gives Away Pens--
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Well, He Thought, Since the President Gives Away Pens--

Artifact ID1973.1.2283
Artist (1909 - 1997)
Publisher (founded 1903)
Date ca. October 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 3/8 in x W 11 1/2 in (34 cm x 29.2 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Two men converse in the doorway of an operating room, where a man gives away knives to a bunch of men in a line. The knives mostly look like hunting knives and there is even a saw on the table. Three women stand near the operating table. Caption: “Well, He Thought, Since the President Gives Away Pens–”. Artist signature lower right: "Werner”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "To President Lyndon B. Johnson with every good wish Chas G. Werner". Handwritten at upper right: “Sun”. Handwritten at upper right: [strikethrough] [blue] “(Thurs)”.
Historical NotePresidents sometimes use multiple pens to sign one bill and then distribute them to the people standing nearby that helped get it passed. Because Lyndon Johnson signed so many laws as president, many pens were made so that he could give them to people afterwards. Johnson had gallbladder surgery in October 1965.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum 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.
Not on view
Place of Publication