George Washington’s Hair Among Historic Presidential Artifacts Set for Auction
An extraordinary auction of American historical artifacts is set to take place on November 22, offering rare items linked to the country’s presidential past. The sale, conducted by Guernsey’s auction house, features a fascinating assortment of relics ranging from a lock of George Washington’s hair to a flag that accompanied Abraham Lincoln’s coffin.
One of the standout pieces in the auction is a small lock of Washington’s graying hair, preserved in a locket that was originally gifted to a family friend and passed down through generations. This remarkable artifact is estimated to fetch between $30,000 and $40,000, making it a rare and significant tangible link to the first U.S. president, who passed away in 1799.
Another major highlight is a U.S. flag that covered Abraham Lincoln's coffin during its solemn journey in 1865 from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois, where he was laid to rest. The flag, a one-of-a-kind piece of history, is expected to sell for between $800,000 and $1.2 million. "It's very difficult to put a value on something that is unique in the world," said Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey's.
Additionally, the auction will feature a rare 49-star flag from 1959, symbolizing the brief period after Alaska joined the Union but before Hawaii's addition. This historic flag was displayed in the White House during Dwight Eisenhower’s presidency, serving as a reminder of a pivotal era in American history.
Among other artifacts are presidential portraits from the Bachrach photography studio, many of which will be available for public viewing for the first time. A notable item is a rare portrait of Abraham Lincoln, created by Francis Bicknell Carpenter as a preparatory study for his famous painting *First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln*, which hangs in the U.S. Capitol.
With a preview at New York City’s Arader Galleries, the auction will be conducted online, giving collectors and history enthusiasts worldwide the opportunity to participate. The timing of the sale—occurring almost immediately after the U.S. election—adds significance, especially as the nation reflects on its presidential history.
“This auction presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of American history,” said Ettinger. “With the current focus on the presidency and the nation’s heritage, these artifacts serve as a reminder of the profound legacies of our leaders.”
For collectors and history buffs alike, this sale offers a rare chance to acquire objects that connect directly to the lives and legacies of America’s most iconic figures. From Washington’s lock of hair to the flag that accompanied Lincoln’s final journey, each item provides a glimpse into the moments that have shaped the nation.
