Abraham Lincoln Related
Very Rare Abraham Lincoln "Guard of Honor" Satin Portrait Ribbon Oak Ridge Cemetery to Safeguard Lincoln's Body
c. 1882, Abraham Lincoln Portrait , rarely encountered "Guard of Honor" Off-White Satin Ribbon, issued for secrect guard duty service at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, measuring 3.5" x 9.25", Silver Metallic Trim and Braids with Black Borders, Very Fine.
A rare Abraham Lincoln, "Guard of Honor" Satin Ribbon for service at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, measuring 3.5" x 9.25", Very Fine. This Ribbon is in nice condition having a bit of tone at bottom left and one braid at bottom unraveled. This Satin Ribbon with a central bust of Lincoln within a black border, inscribed below, "The Lincoln - Guard of Honor." Silver Bullion Metallic Fringe at bottom with Silver Metallic Trim at top. The "Lincoln - Guard of Honor" was a secret group was organized on February 12, 1880, to safeguard President Lincoln's physical body in death, in the wake of a recent failed attempt to steal it for ransom. The leader of the group was the Lincoln Tomb's custodian, John Carroll Power. The group was kept secret, with the only person outside the group who was privy to its mission was Robert Todd Lincoln. Upon the death of Mary Todd Lincoln in 1882, he ordered them to bury her coffin alongside that of the martyred President. They hid the two coffins in a remote part of the tomb, under the construction debris until 1887 when the coffins were placed in a secure brick vault. At the turn of the century, the Lincoln coffins of the extended Lincoln Family were permanently encased in concrete. Obviously, these special Ribbons were issued in very small numbers, and only issued and worn by members "Sworn to Secrecy." The first we have offered, we have seen them bring around $1,500 in years past.