General Ulysses S. Grant Strands Of Hair, Beautifully Presented

A matted presentation board displaying hair and funeral photographs of General Ulysses S. Grant. Five hair strands have been mounted in plastic, the longest measuring 1.25" in length. The strands are a mix of grey and brown hair. The strands are encapsulated alongside three cabinet cards, a portrait of Grant, and two funeral-related photographs circa 1885-1888. The seated portrait depicts an older Grant dressed in a black suit. The second cabinet card is of the funeral procession on Broadway, New York, held on August 8, 1885. The final is a stereoview of the Grant Dedication, in New York City in 1888. Beautifully presented on a light brown 16" x 12" mat, with cut-outs for the 3 photographs and hair. Fine condition and ready for framing. Some minor toning, foiling, and foxing to the photographs.

After Grant died a few minutes after 8 A.M. on Thursday morning, July 23, 1885, his son, Col. Frederick D. Grant, sent a telegram to Stephen Merritt in New York City: "Your services as undertaker are requested. Come immediately." Merritt was accompanied by an assistant, Edward Butts, who provided a letter of provenance for the hair. Accompanying this lot is a copy of that letter, dated January 9, 1886, which reads in part, "Edward T. Butts…was employed by Mr. Stephen W. Merritt undertaker and doing business at No 210 Eight Avenue City of New York…on the 24th day of July 1885 he in company with the aforesaid Mr. Merritt, and one TJ Hemma who was also employed by said Merritt proceeded to Mount McGregor for the purpose of reembalming and laying out Gen Grant…at the time aforesaid deponent trimed [sic] and cut his beard and hair and preserved said trimming of said beard and hair..."

General Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States and as commanding general, worked closely with President Lincoln to lead the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy in the American Civil War. He was twice elected president and led the Republicans in their effort to remove the remnants of Confederate nationalism and slavery in the country.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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