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Original Shawl Knitted & Worn by Abraham Lincoln's Wife Mary Todd Lincoln

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Original Shawl Knitted & Worn by Abraham Lincoln's Wife Mary Todd Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s long suffering wife finally had a total breakdown after her husband was killed, and she then lost yet another son. She was declared insane and with the urging of her oldest son, Robert Todd Lincoln, was committed to Bellevue Sanitarium in Batavia, Illinois. It was there she meet Sarah Bunker, the daughter of a famous clairvoyant, Caroline Howard, who consulted with Mrs. Lincoln, and gave her much solace. To thank her, Mary Todd Lincoln gave her a series of gifts, including a shawl that Mrs. Lincoln hand knitted herself while in the Sanitarium. It was passed down through Howard’s decedents for many years. After the last descendent passed away, everyone was looking for the shawl, but it could not be found. However, a life-long family friend was given some information that perhaps the shawl was hidden, since in their last years, this descendant suddenly became fearful that it would somehow “disappear in the wrong hands”. The friend was able to find it, hidden in the rafters of their attic. He has cherished it ever since, and has loaned it to several museums for display. This remarkable piece of historical memorabilia is now offered for sale personally by this friend who has treasured it for many years. The shawl comes with a large file of authentication papers, documents, and special newspapers and other rare press reports and clippings.