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Abraham Lincoln. Mourning Presentation Including Lock of Hair with Three Autograph Endorsements Signed ("A. Lincoln...
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Sold on Jul 16, 2022 for:
$62,500.00
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Description
Large lock of Lincoln's hair presented to the Gideon Welles family by Robert Todd Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln. Mourning Presentation Including Lock of Hair
with Three Autograph Endorsements Signed ("A.
Lincoln"). The impressive framed
presentation features a large sampling of Abraham Lincoln's hair;
three autograph endorsements signed; a note and envelope on
mourning stationery addressed to Mrs. Gideon Welles in Robert Todd
Lincoln's hand; two dried florals, most likely from one of
Lincoln's funerals; two prints; four samples of obsolete currency;
and one image of Abraham Lincoln. The autograph endorsements are
displayed in a pyramid formation at the upper right of the
presentation and are intended for Secretary of War Gideon Welles.
In clockwise order beginning at the top, the first endorsement
measures 3.385 x 2 inches and reads, "Sec. of Navy, please see
Mr. Bishop of La. A. Lincoln. Oct 29, 1861." The second
measures 3.125 x 2 inches and reads "Sec. of Navy, please see
Mr. Martin, the... A. Lincoln Nov. 23, 1861." The third
measures 3.25 x 1.875 inches and is inscribed, "Sec. of Navy,
please see Mr. Darling, who was a Presidential elector, last year
in New York. A. Lincoln Nov. 16, 1861." The endorsements
exhibit minor toning and minimal soiling, but the ink remains
bold.Below are a matching note and envelope in a mourning stationery set, bearing text in Robert Todd Lincoln's hand. A somber black band adorns the outer edges. The 5 x 7.875-inch note is inscribed in ink "Mrs[.] G. Welles / Mr. R. T. Lincoln," as is the 5.25 x 2.875-inch envelope reading "R. T. Lincoln / Miss Welles / ...Secr. Of the Navy." These exhibit toning, with the note having a few folds and some smudging at the left edge. Resting atop the note and above the envelope is the sampling of Abraham Lincoln's hair tied in a black velvet ribbon. The hair is approximately 3 inches in length and is a combination of sandy and light brown in color. Two dried floral elements are to the left lower center of the display. It is assumed these are from one of Abraham Lincoln's funerals and kept in mourning. The rose has shed a few petals and has slipped from its original placement. It appears both florals may be attached to backings with adhesives.
Two prints on the left side depict Abraham Lincoln, the bottom measuring 6.385 x 4.125 inches, and depict the President among his cabinet members. The one above captures his final moments on his death bed and measures 5.75 x 3.75 inches. The four pieces of fractional currency include three ten-cent bills and one twenty-five-cent bill. Featured in these examples are William M. Meredith and George Washington. These range in size from 2.5 x 1.75 inches to 3.75 x 1.875 inches. The currency examples have expected wear throughout, with some folding and loss at the corners. Shown at the top center of the presentation is a large 7 x 8.385-inch (inset frame included) oval image of Abraham Lincoln looking quite stately. A few deep scratches are present on his portrait, and the 26 x 21.25-inch frame has minor chipping throughout.
This display provides an intimate story of friendship and loyalty between the Welles and Lincoln families. As Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles was staunchly supportive of the President and was present at his deathbed after the assassination. Welles is pictured at the bottom-left of the display in both the image depicting Lincoln's cabinet and the portrayal of the President's final breath. The particularly generous relic provided to Mrs. Welles by Robert Todd Lincoln serves as a testament to the two families' bond. Gideon Welles' wife, Mary Jane, devoutly assisted her close friend Mary Todd Lincoln in providing immense emotional support after the Lincolns lost their son William "Willie" Lincoln to typhoid. She also helped nurse Thomas "Tad" Lincoln III back to health from the same illness.
The mourning motif of the dark ribbon tied around Lincoln's hair and the black border of the stationery provides extra impact when accompanied by the dramatic images of the President. The dried florals perhaps remind the viewer of the fragility and loveliness of life and how Lincoln's was cut mid-bloom despite a successful presidency. Undoubtedly the Welles family deeply grieved the loss of their good friend. This presentation is all the more important for containing such history between Mr. and Mrs. Welles and the Lincoln family.
Auction Info
2022 July 16 Historical Platinum Session Signature® Auction #6258 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2022
16th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,053
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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