This unusual and unique 2002 ornament is adapted from one of Martha Washington's fans. Most of Mrs. Washington's fans were bought in London, through the Washington's factor, Robert Cary, and some were supplied by Lardner & Co. in London. Although some of the fans were made in England, others are noted as French. Many of the ivory fans were probably of Chinese origin that had been exported to London. After the Revolution, Martha Washington's fans were secured in America, usually in Philadelphia. The fan depicted here was purchased in November 1975 at a Parke/Benet (now Sotheby's) sale in which Mrs. Walter Peter sold 42 lots of Washington/Custis family memorabilia. The successful purchaser donated the fan to Mount Vernon in June 1976.