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Packing Trunk Attributed to Abraham Lincoln

Packing Trunk Attributed to President Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 - April 15, 1865) was the sixteenth President of the United States, March 4, 1861 to April 15, 1865. As an outspoken opponent of the expansion of slavery and a political leader in the western states, he won the Republican Party nomination in 1860 and was elected president later that year. During his term, he helped preserve the United States by leading the defeat of the secessionist Confederate States of America in the American Civil War. He introduced measures that resulted in the abolition of slavery, issuing his Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and promoting the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1865.

To make it more secure than it would be in my hat, where I carry most all my packages, I put it in my trunk.

- Abraham Lincoln, quoted in Carl Sandburg's biography

An interesting piece of Americana. Multi-plank construction, hand tapped "A. Lincoln, New Salem, Ill." to side. Faded black markings, "Chilicothe, No. 27" to top of lid. Iron hinges and fittings, remnant leather from old handles to side, marks of nails for the other. Evidence of removed front latch. Lined with 1850's dated newsprint, stories and classifieds, appears to be from New York.

The original owners have traced ownership of the trunk through their family lines back to 1870, when a Missouri Congressman, Ira B. Hyde, purchased the trunk from a Washington D.C. shop after being assured it was from Lincoln's White House. A passage from Carl Sandburg's biography of Lincoln quotes the President as mentioning his preparations for traveling. It appears this was a packing crate, perhaps from his days owning a store in New Salem with William Berry during the 1830s, and well used thereafter.

Condition Report: Good, normal wear and tear for a trunk

Size: 31 x 16 x 19.5 in. (78.7 x 40.6 x 49.5 cm.)

Estimate: $25,000 - 50,000

Good, normal wear and tear for a trunk

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