Title:
Personally Owned White House Historical Christmas Ornament of Jimmy Carter – “A Winter Sleigh Ride with President & Mrs. Hayes” (2004) – Estate Provenance

Description:
Official White House Historical Association Christmas ornament (2004 edition), personally owned by Jimmy Carter, titled “A Winter Sleigh Ride with President & Mrs. Hayes, 1880.” The ornament features an ornate gold-tone frame with intricate scrollwork and snowflake accents, surrounding a central oval vignette depicting a winter sleigh scene in front of the White House.

The reverse displays a deep blue background with white snowflake motifs and the printed inscription: “A WINTER SLEIGH RIDE WITH PRESIDENT & MRS. HAYES 1880.” The ornament retains its original blue ribbon for hanging and exhibits excellent preservation, with vibrant coloration and minimal signs of wear.

Accompanied by a certificate of provenance reading:
“Jimmy Carter’s ‘A Winter Sleigh Ride with President and Mrs. Hayes’ Christmas Ornament.”

Historical Context:
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter were known for their appreciation of American traditions, including the significance of White House holiday customs. The White House Historical Association began issuing annual Christmas ornaments in 1981, each commemorating a different presidency or historical moment connected to the Executive Mansion.

The 2004 ornament honors Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes, depicting a festive sleigh ride during the Hayes administration. As part of a widely collected series, these ornaments blend historical storytelling with decorative artistry, making them highly desirable among collectors of presidential memorabilia.

That this example was personally owned by President Carter adds a unique layer of provenance, connecting multiple presidential eras through a single collectible object.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a certificate of provenance titled “The Estate of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter,” issued through Brunk Auctions, North Carolina, 2026, including a handwritten description identifying the item as “Jimmy Carter’s ‘A Winter Sleigh Ride with President and Mrs. Hayes’ Christmas Ornament.”

Authenticated and signed by John Reznikoff, a leading authority in autograph and historical artifact authentication, and Luke Pascal, President of Historical Autographs Gallery and autograph & relic expert affiliated with University Archives.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This beautifully crafted White House Historical Association ornament represents a unique convergence of presidential history, holiday tradition, and personal provenance. Owned by Jimmy Carter and commemorating the Hayes administration, it offers collectors a distinctive and meaningful artifact bridging generations of American leadership—an exceptional addition to any presidential or holiday memorabilia collection.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.