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Mary Todd Lincoln's Desktop Music Box Mary Todd Lincoln's Desktop Music Box, Incorporating an Ink W

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Mary Todd Lincoln's Desktop Music Box  Mary Todd Lincoln's Desktop Music Box, Incorporating an Ink W
<B> Mary Todd Lincoln's Desktop Music Box, Incorporating an Ink Well</B></I> 15" in length, elaborately carved from walnut in the form of an ear of corn, the hinged lid of which opens to reveal a small music box (with original key, but not working, and two glass ink jars. "Mary Lincoln" is painted on the bottom in what is clearly old gold paint, showing light wear, but easily readable. Good overall display condition, with several minor bits of edge wear and chipping which detract minimally. <BR><BR> Purchased by Henry Luhrs at the legendary Oliver K. Barrett Lincoln Collection sale at Park-Bernet Galleries on Feb. 20, 1952 (lot 179. The original lot I.D sticker is still present). A unique and highly personal artifact from one of America's most famous and yet least understood First Ladies, with the provenance of one to the most famous great Lincoln collections. From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.