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[Abraham Lincoln Assassination] Key to Lincoln's Box at Ford's Theater....
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Description
[Abraham Lincoln Assassination] Key to Lincoln's Box at Ford's Theater. Accompanied by multiple samples of provenance, the sale of the key is first discussed in a handwritten letter from Washington D.C., September 23, 1870, from William H. James to A. Boyd Esq. In the letter, James informs Boyd that, "[t]he key of the Box will cost you $100 with affidavit..." It is signed by James with the words "National Theatre" below. Also included is a scanned and reprinted booklet listing collection items loaned to the Bridgeport Lodge, B.PO. Elks No. 36 by Bro. Al Emmett Fostell for the October 1904 "Grand Karnival." Appearing third within the booklet's list is the text: "The key of the private box of Ford's Theatre which he occupied the night he was assassinated, presented to Mr. Fostell by Jos. S. Sessford, ticket seller." The last pieces of provenance appear to be scanned and printed copies of a Sotheby's catalog from December 4, 1981, with a cut out of the key's listing from the same 1981 auction. The handwritten sale number of 4748E can be seen written on both. The key is housed in a black leather box by the Medallic Art Co. of New York. The top interior portion is stamped in gold lettering that reads, "The Key to Box No. 7 at Ford's Theatre/ Washington, D.C. occupied by President/ Lincoln the night of his assassination/ April 14, 1865." The brass key rests on black velvet, with a label stamped "D.C. 7" connected by a figure-eight suspension loop. Expected wear is present, with light scratching and tarnish throughout the key and label. The exterior of the box exhibits wear and scratching, with some light loss around the exterior closing mechanism. A sticker is present on the bottom. In overall lovely condition, this historic piece could be the crown jewel of your collection. This great relic was formerly in the collection of Dr. John Lattimer, most of whose legendary Lincoln collection was sold by Heritage in a 2008 single owner sale. This was one of his most prized items, and was retained by the family until the recent decision to consign it to auction. Note: This item was formerly part of the renowned Sang Collection, one of the most important collections of historical Americana ever assembled.Auction Info
2022 February 12 - 13 Lincoln and His Times Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6251 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2022
12th-13th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 40
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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