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Unusual Early Robert E. Lee Silk Ribbon We have s

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:170.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 350.00 USD
Unusual Early Robert E. Lee Silk Ribbon We have s
<B>Unusual Early Robert E. Lee Silk Ribbon</B></I> We have seen various Lee ribbons dating from the unveiling of his monument and Confederate reunions of the late 19th to early 20th centuries, but this one is a bit of a puzzler. It is quite unusual in that there is no text suggesting the event at which it was used, and the bright red color certainly doesn't seem to fit a memorial ribbon. The simple woodcut style and type of ribbon could easily date as early as the 1860s, but could also be as late as the 1880s. Lee died in 1870 and, absent any contradictory information, we think it is at least possible that this ribbon dates from the period of his life, perhaps produced for a rare public appearance or a souvenir to visitors to Washington and Lee College, where he served as president until his death. If the ribbon indeed dates from life, it would be an unusual item indeed, but is quite nice even with a less optimistic interpretation. Fine shape but for a minor horizontal tear near one of the points at the bottom. Length 5.6 inches. Lot:258