GEORGE WASHINGTON'S HAIR RIBBON
A most unusual George Washington relic, a 14" long (total) section of black linen ribbon, 1 1/4" wide, believed to have been used to secure General George Washington's hair in the fashionable "pony tail" of the era. The ribbon, in several pieces but clearly of identical fabric, is partially tied to the beige calling card of "Mr. Frederick C. Withers" At top, the card bears a ca. 1876 inscription, presumably in Withers' hand: "Gen. Washingtons Queue-Tie". In a different hand beneath is added: "Exhibited at the Philadelphia Centennial 1876" with "IV", possibly indicating this was one of a set of relics displayed there. Also present is an envelope, this also with period handwriting: "Gen Washington's Queue-tie". All items were tipped to a mat board when framed about twenty years ago. Frederick C. Withers (1828-1901) was a successful English architect in America, especially renowned for his Gothic Revival church designs. During the Civil War, he served with the 1st N.Y. Vols. Post-war, he designed an altar at New York's Trinity Church, also the Jefferson Market and many buildings now historic landmarks. According to our consignor, a long-time customer and high-end estate purchaser who had the tie in his personal collection, this item was purchased by him from the descendants of Charles Lanman (1819-1895), librarian for the War Department, the House of Representatives, and the City of Washington Library. Lanman was also private secretary to Senator Daniel Webster; and a noted artist.