Abraham Lincoln's Hair Strands and William Seward's Hair Strands Relic Display - Matted Ready for Framing

Inscription reads: On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth and his fellow conspirators executed their plan to disrupt the government the United States by having Booth shoot Lincoln at Ford’s Theater and Louis Powell attack Secretary of State, William Seward in his home. Lincoln died the following day, but Seward survived the attack. The strands of Abraham Lincoln's hair at left and William Seward's hair at right were collected by Mrs. Caroline Wright, the wife of the Governor of Indiana, Joseph Wright. The Wright's were close friends of the Lincoln's, and Mrs. Wright had requested samples of their hair for her collection. Ex Forbes Collection, Christie’s Auction 2002.

The COA/Certificate of Authenticity reads: This is to certify that the strands of hair in this display originated from Abraham Lincoln and William Seward. The strands came from locks of hair collected by Mrs. Caroline Wright, the wife of Indiana Governor, Joseph Wright. Mrs. Wright collected hair of political figures during the latter half of the 19th century and these were given to her after Lincoln’s Inauguration in 1865 as a token of friendship between the Wright's and the Lincoln’s. These relics passed through the Wright Family until sold with other items at Christie’s Auction House in 1992. In 2002, these relics were again sold by Christie’s as part of the Forbes Collection (Lot number 121). A description of the lot is attached to this certificate. The photocopies above shows Lincoln, Booth and Seward.

The photographs in this display are color copies, not originals.