$11,750
Rare and Important Engraved Silver Plate Plaque from the Hearse of Abraham Lincoln, circa May 4th, 1865, oval format with entwined strapwork border and central engraved monogram AL and inscribed "In Memoriam, Springfield May 4th, 1865", with nail holes top and bottom, ht. 6 5/16 by 4 1/8 in.Note: The offered lot comes with an old label "St. Louis, June 1865. This plate is one of a pair used in the decoration of the hearse on the occasion of the burial of President Lincoln Springfield, Ills. May 4th, 1865. The other one I presented to the St. Louis Mercantile Library and is in their possession. They were the centre pieces -- one on each side. The hearse was decorated by me for the occasion. Thomas Lynch, St. Louis Mo."The lot descended in the family who purchased the Albert H. Hoppe funeral business located in St. Louis, Missouri and was formerly owned by Thomas Lynch, an undertaker located at 80 Olive Street. As Springfield was not equipped to construct a suitable carriage for President Lincoln's final funeral hearse, Thomas Lynch of St. Louis was contracted to build one. As stated in the note he did donate the matching plaque to the St. Louis Mercantile Library, where it remains. Two letters from the Mercantile Library attesting to this fact and a photocopy of the matching plaque will accompany this lot.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2005-10-30
