38   Roosevelt, Franklin D. 32nd President of the United States, 1933-1945.

Typed Document Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy. Five pages, Folio, on legal size onion skin, Philadelphia, August 4, 1917. This important document, signed by FDR as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy, is a contract between the US Government and the Tioga Steel & Iron Company of Philadelphia for eight million pounds of gun forgings to be delivered in twelve months, for which the government will pay the company a profit of 4½ cents per pound. The document specifies how the forgings are to be made, delivered, and the manner of payment. Roosevelt and several officials of the company have signed at the conclusion.

America had just declared War on Germany in April of the same year. The need for an armament was suddenly urgent, and here FDR takes decisive steps to amass the arsenal that would arm the nation. Fine. The document has been hole-punched once at top left corner, which is slightly frayed, and the first page bears a clip stain and impression, not affecting the text. Docketed by the Navy Department at top right. All signatures are unusually bold and clear.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.