Desk Paperweight Presented to Robert S. McNamara from "NATO Force Planning"

Featuring a weathered plaster gargoyle, a Schaeffer fountain pen in a swiveling brass receptacle, and a brass presentation plaque affixed to an onyx base (5 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.; 140 x 140 mm), bottom of base lined with felt, The plaque is inscribed: "To Robert Strange McNamara | The Guiding Spirit of Nato Force Planning | The Travails of Which | Are Here Symbolically Depicted | This Traditional State Departure Gift | Is Presented with Admiration | By the Members of His Original | USNATO Force Planning Group | In Paris and Brussels | March 1, 1968"; nib of pen ink-stained.

This unusual paperweight was presented to McNamara upon his retirement from the Department of Defense.