LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Feb Americana Grand Format Auction #659  / 

25021

Abraham Lincoln Sought-After Actual Lock of Hair

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Abraham Lincoln Sought-After Actual Lock of Hair
<B>Abraham Lincoln: A Sought-After Actual Lock of his Hair.</B></I> One of the most thoroughly documented examples of Lincoln's hair which we have ever been able to offer. This lock was part of a larger one from the legendary Oliver R. Barrett collection, sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries in 1952. In 1950, Carl Sandburg had written a 344-page book about Barrett's astonishing collection. On page 208 Sandburg describes this lock as being part of "a small box with three locks of hair…" which was one of the prized possessions of the collector. One of these locks had been taken from Lincoln's head shortly after his assassination. The second was clipped from his head when his tomb was later reopened, and the third was the hair of Lincoln's beloved son Willie. The exact chain of ownership of the present lock following the Barrett sale is detailed in a 1970-dated, notarized affidavit that explains how these strands came to be removed from the larger lock. This affidavit does not make it clear which of the Lincoln hair samples yielded the present strands, but in either case they are warranted as Lincoln's. It had been in the collection of the late consignor since then. Attractively housed in a period gutta percha case for display. <BR><BR>In February of 2006 we auctioned a sample of Lincoln's hair, also well documented, which fetched $3,585. That sample consisted of 15 small pieces, which when laid end to end would probably add up to the length of 2-3 strands. The present lot consists of a number of full strands of a length of approximately 3" each. It is impossible to get an exact count of the strands without dismantling the display that we are loath to do. However it would appear that there are upwards of fifty individual strands. While the "break value" of this lot is apparent, one would hope, perhaps over-idealistically, that it might remain together in its present form.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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