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ROBERT E. LEE FAMILY LOCKET WITH A LOCK OF LEE`S HAIR

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
ROBERT E. LEE FAMILY LOCKET WITH A LOCK OF LEE`S HAIR
An extraordinary relic, a locket and chain descended within the family of Robert E. Lee and containing within a generous lock of Lee's hair! The black polychrome enamel oval locket measures 1 1/2"" x 1 1/4"" and bears a gold-rimmed beveled glass window on the verso through which one may view the lock of about forty strands of Robert E. Lee's hair. On the opposite side of the locket is a silver applied monogram ""REL"" accentuated with a number of small, rose-cut diamonds. The locket is suspended from a 20"" overall chain composed of heart-shaped 14 karat gold links set with squares of black onyx. The chain and locket have been examined by the noted firm of Betteridge Jewelers in Greenwich who, without knowledge of the item's history, have estimated the date of the manufacture of the piece to between 1865 and 1875, and have estimated the value of the jewelry alone at approx. $3,500.00. The locket was obtained by our consignor from Butterfield's in Los Angeles, who describe the provenance: ""Descended in the Robert E. Lee family to Mr. Beverly Middleton, nephew to Robert E. Lee III"". Sold with a copy of the Butterfield catalog listing and original auction tag still attached. Overall fine condition. 2390