As President Joe Biden delivered his third State of the Union address before Congress on Thursday night, some may have noticed a small, shiny display in front of House Speaker Mike Johnson.
According to the House of Representatives website, it’s a coin-silver inkstand that is placed in the rostrum before the speaker calls each session of the House to order. It was created sometime around 1815 by Jacob Leonard.
“The inkstand is considered the oldest surviving artifact of the House and was made between 1810 and 1820,” the House website said. “Although its origins are mysterious, it most likely came into the House around 1819.
The inkstand is stamped with the mark of J. Leonard, a Washington silversmith and watchmaker.”
The inkstand, which is over 200 years old, contains three replacement crystal inkwells and is adorned on both sides by swags and eagles, according to the website.
“The feet of the tray takes the form of fasces with snakes winding around them, classical symbols of unity and wisdom, respectively,” the House website’s description reads.
Last year, Kevin McCarthy, then-Speaker of the House, and Vice President Kamala Harris sat behind Biden.
Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana assumed the role of House speaker in October following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California by dissatisfied Republicans.
Before McCarthy, Rep. Nancy Pelosi held the position but relinquished it after Democrats lost the majority in the 2022 midterm elections.
Johnson marks the third House speaker to be seated behind Biden during a State of the Union address, underscoring the political volatility in Washington and presenting a formidable transition for Biden.
