2005 White House Christmas Ornament - James A. Garfield

This is a 2005 Official White House Christmas Ornament, which commemorates the administration of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. The ornament is constructed from non-tarnishing 24-karat gold-plated brass with vibrant enamel accents in shades of deep red, green, and cream. It features a circular central medallion protected by glass or acrylic, depicting a historical illustration of the South Front of the White House as it appeared during the 1880s, including figures in period dress. The surround is an intricate, multi-layered openwork frame including Victorian-era motifs, stylized seashells, and stars. Notable markings include the text 'The White House' on a banner at the top, the letter 'G' (for Garfield) within a wreath at the base, and the year '2005' flanked by stars at the bottom edge. Physical condition appears to be excellent or 'Like New,' housed in its original cream-colored presentation insert with gold foil bordering. The craftsmanship is precise, utilizing photo-etching and screen-printing techniques typical of the White House Historical Association's annual collections. It measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and comes with a gold-braided hanging cord.

I have examined the 2005 Official White House Christmas Ornament commemorating James A. Garfield. Based on the provided descriptions and visual data, the item appears to be in 'Like New' or 'Mint' condition, retaining its original presentation insert and showing no signs of tarnish or oxidation on the 24-karat gold-plated brass frame. The enamel screen-printing on the central medallion remains vibrant and free of scratches. Authenticity is supported by the specific photo-etched hallmarks, including the stylized 'G' and the Victorian-era architectural detailing characteristic of the White House Historical Association's production. Market demand for this specific year is steady but high in supply, as these were produced in large quantities for the mass collector market. Similar examples frequently trade on secondary markets (eBay, WorthPoint) within the $20 to $45 range depending on the presence of the original exterior box and informational pamphlet, which are not explicitly detailed here. The location in Japan significantly affects the local market value due to international shipping costs; however, the intrinsic value remains tied to American presidential memorabilia collectors. Limitations: This evaluation is based on visual data only. A physical inspection is required to verify the weight of the brass, the tactile quality of the gold plating, and to check for hidden stress fractures in the acrylic medallion cover. Full authentication would require the original outer sleeve and the descriptive historical booklet to reach the high end of the valuation range.