Nine Strands of Abraham Lincoln's Hair. The Most Documented Lock of Lincoln Hair Extant. This lot contains approximately nine small pieces of hair from the head of Abraham Lincoln, originally owned by Dr. Charles Sabin Taft, who was the second surgeon to treat Lincoln on the evening of the assassination. This is the most authenticated lock of Lincoln's hair extant. Dr. Charles Leale originally removed it, the first surgeon to arrive in aid of the dying President, in order to gain access to the wound. This lock was given to Mrs. Lincoln who soon gave it to Dr. Taft. Taft was a young surgeon who attended the wounded at a Washington hospital. He had become acquainted with the President during Lincoln's visits to the recovering soldiers. Dr. Taft willed the hair to his son, Charles C. Taft, who sold it to William H. Lambert in 1908, at which point it was sealed in a simple gold box. Upon Lambert's death, the Lincoln hair was sold to Henry C. Hines, in whose possession it remained until 1993 when it was discovered in his estate. The hair is mounted to an 8.5" x 11" page bearing a printed reproduction of a Lincoln photograph and signature with a composite reproduction of the deathbed scene. There are three 8" x 10" color photographs of the box created by Major William H. Lambert included with the lot. It is also accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from University Archives and Todd M. Axelrod of the Gallery of History, Inc. Condition: Near fine. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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