71 - Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson commemorative wastepaper basket produced in the late 1960s. Peter Benchley worked as a White House speechwriter for President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1967 to 1969. The basket is constructed of sheet metal with a rolled top rim and flat base. The interior and underside are finished in solid green paint. The exterior bears a printed signature of Lady Bird Johnson. 14 1/2" H x 8 3/4" diameter.

Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson commemorative wastepaper basket produced in the late 1960s. Peter Benchley worked as a White House speechwriter for President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1967 to 1969. The basket is constructed of sheet metal with a rolled top rim and flat base. The interior and underside are finished in solid green paint. The exterior bears a printed signature of Lady Bird Johnson. 14 1/2" H x 8 3/4" diameter. A zany Christmas present from the Johnsons to Peter and his White House colleagues in December 1967, his first Christmas as a presidential speechwriter and among the first gifts he received there. Wendy Benchley has always suspected the idea came from Lady Bird and Lynda Bird Johnson, who both had a lively sense of humor. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The exterior lithographed surface shows moderate wear including surface scratches, minor scuffing, and localized areas of staining or foxing on the photographic sections. Paint loss and minor oxidation are visible along the top and bottom rims. The green-painted interior and underside exhibit significant signs of age and utility, with widespread rust spotting, surface oxidation, and general finish wear. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.