As the nation turns its focus to the U.S. election on November 5, history enthusiasts are also gearing up for a remarkable auction of presidential artifacts later in the month. New York’s Guernsey’s auction house is offering collectors and history buffs a chance to acquire some of the most iconic relics from American history, including items tied to founding fathers and pivotal moments in the presidency.
One of the star items up for auction is a lock of George Washington’s hair. Preserved in a locket, this rare piece of history belonged to the nation’s first president, who passed away in 1799. The hair was given to a family friend and carefully passed down through generations, making it a tangible link to the earliest days of the United States.
Another prominent artifact is a U.S. flag that accompanied Abraham Lincoln’s funeral procession in 1865. Draped over Lincoln’s coffin as it traveled from Washington, D.C., to his resting place in Springfield, Illinois, this historical flag represents a powerful chapter in American history. With an estimated sale range of $800,000 to $1.2 million, it stands as one of the auction’s most valuable items, though its symbolic worth far surpasses monetary value.
Additionally, the auction will feature a rare 49-star flag from 1959, marking the brief period after Alaska joined the union but before Hawaii’s statehood. This unique flag, which once hung in the White House during Dwight Eisenhower’s presidency, highlights a transformative moment in modern American history.
Collectors will also have the chance to bid on presidential portraits from the renowned Bachrach photography studio, many of which have never been publicly displayed. Among the photographic collection is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Francis Bicknell Carpenter. This portrait served as a study for Carpenter’s famous painting “First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln,” which currently hangs in the U.S. Capitol.
The auction will take place on November 22, both online and at Arader Galleries in New York City, offering enthusiasts from around the world a chance to participate. Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey’s, noted the significance of this collection, highlighting the strong interest in the presidency and American history, especially during an election year. Ettinger emphasized that this sale provides a rare opportunity to own artifacts directly linked to the individuals and moments that helped shape the United States.
With pieces that span over two centuries, the auction promises a glimpse into the lives and legacies of America’s most influential leaders, offering history enthusiasts the chance to connect with the past in a deeply personal way.
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