Abraham Lincoln: Hair Relic Display with Provenance. ...
Description
Abraham Lincoln: Hair Relic Display with Provenance. Five strands of Abraham Lincoln's hair, cut by Dr. Charles Sabin Taft on the night of the assassination, April 14, 1865, to access the fatal wound. The hair was preserved by Dr. Taft and later passed through prominent hands, including Lincoln's secretary John Hay, President Theodore Roosevelt, and noted Lincoln collectors. This framed display includes portrait imagery and documentation, along with a letter issued on Department of the Interior, National Park Service letterhead by the curator of Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, attesting to the historical importance of such relics. A rare, well-documented connection to the fallen president.Condition: The professionally matted 12" x 24" display presents in excellent condition with a 8" x 10" reproduction of a photograph of Lincoln (taken by Alexander Hesler). A 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" magnified window below contains the stands of hair. An engraved brass nameplate and color illustration of Lincoln on his deathbed complete the imagery.
Provenance: The provenance is supported by documentation on Department of the Interior, National Park Service letterhead. Dr. Charles Sabin Taft first retained the hair after attending Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, passing it to his son Charles C. Taft. In 1905, Lincoln's secretary John Hay received six strands, mounting them in a ring presented to Theodore Roosevelt. Additional portions were acquired by Major William H. Lambert and later sold at the Anderson Galleries in 1914 to Henry C. Hines, who preserved the lock sealed until 1993. With this continuous chain from physician to president to prominent collectors, and official confirmation from Ford's Theatre NHS, the relic stands among the most authenticated Lincoln artifacts. Includes University Archives COA.
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(Lots 43001-43191) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, October 24, 2025.
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