Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln
Freeman’s | Hindman is proud to announce Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln, a landmark public auction of manuscripts, letters, campaign ephemera, keepsakes, and personal effects that chronicle the extraordinary life of America’s 16th President.
Comprising approximately 140 carefully-selected items, Lincoln’s Legacy is presented on behalf of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, a national non-profit which owns an extensive collection of Lincoln-related historic materials. The Foundation has entrusted Freeman’s | Hindman with the sale of carefully-selected items from the collection, while retaining 1,400 varied and important items for continued scholarly research, programming, and loan exhibitions. Each of the objects included in the sale represents a phase of Abraham Lincoln’s life – from his teenage years through his tragic death by assassination– and underscores the widespread continuing appeal of his legacy.
Throughout April and May, Freeman’s | Hindman will host public previews of items from the sale via a five-city tour, stopping at our locations in New York City, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Chicago. The auction will be presented live and online on May 21 at Freeman’s | Hindman Chicago headquarters in Lincoln’s home state of Illinois.
The Lincoln Collection Tour | Public Previews
Freeman’s | Hindman is pleased to present the public preview tour for the esteemed Lincoln Collection.
Join us at select locations to explore this remarkable offering ahead of the auction.
New York | April 1–4
Palm Beach | April 10–11 & 14-17
Philadelphia | April 23–26
Cincinnati | April 29–May 2
Chicago | May 12–21
Personal Ephemera and historic manuscripts, such as a pair of blood-stained white kid gloves carried by and a cuff button worn by Lincoln on the night of his assassination and The Adams Handbill: The only known surviving copy of the first printed work by Abraham Lincoln To the Public…
Contact Us
May 21, 10am CT | Freeman’s | Hindman, 1550 W Carroll St, Chicago, IL 60607
Christopher Brink, Senior Specialist, Head of Sale, Books & Manuscripts
312.334.4217
Darren Winston, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts
267.414.1247
For sale inquiries:
lincolnslegacy@hindmanauctions.com
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Auction Highlights
![[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980694/medium_376197-115_1.jpg)
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
Estimate
$800,000 -
1,200,000
![[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980694/thumb_square_376197-115_1.jpg)
Now watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
No longer watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
Lincoln's Autograph Sum Book Leaf, signed three times, Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826
Estimate
$300,000 -
400,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph sum book leaf signed three times ("Abraham Lincoln"), Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph sum book leaf signed three times ("Abraham Lincoln"), Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826.
The Adams Handbill, The Only Known Surviving Copy Of Lincoln's First Printed Work, 5 August 1837.
Estimate
$200,000 -
300,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). To the Public... Springfield: N.p., 5 August 1837.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). To the Public... Springfield: N.p., 5 August 1837.
![[LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2972530/medium_376197-51_-3.jpg)
Oval Bust Portrait by Alexander Hesler, signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
Estimate
$100,000 -
150,000
![[LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2972530/thumb_square_376197-51_-3.jpg)
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
![[LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980706/medium_376197-55_1.jpg)
Lincoln and Hamlin campaign flag, ca 1860.
Estimate
$20,000 -
30,000
![[LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980706/thumb_square_376197-55_1.jpg)
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.
![[LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2981642/medium_376197-67_2.jpg)
Leonard Wells Volk (1828-1895), marble sculpture of Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
Estimate
$5,000 -
8,000
![[LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2981642/thumb_square_376197-67_2.jpg)
Now watching [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
No longer watching [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
![[LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980757/medium_376197-54_1.jpg)
Lincoln and Hamlin campaign torch, ca 1860.
Estimate
$1,000 -
1,500
![[LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980757/thumb_square_376197-54_1.jpg)
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.
![[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2984939/medium_books_2025_sale6441_376197-117_buttons_white.jpg)
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
Estimate
$200,000 -
300,000
![[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2984939/thumb_square_books_2025_sale6441_376197-117_buttons_white.jpg)
Now watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
No longer watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") as Postmaster, to Blair and Rives, 3 November 1835.
Estimate
$80,000 -
120,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln P.M."), as Postmaster, to Blair & Rives, New Salem, Illinois, 3 November 1835.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln P.M."), as Postmaster, to Blair & Rives, New Salem, Illinois, 3 November 1835.
![LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980590/medium_376197-104_2.jpg)
First Printing of Lincoln's Celebrated Second Inaugural Address, 1865.
Estimate
$40,000 -
60,000
![LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].](https://d1oc7rwabkmy5g.cloudfront.net/uploads/published_image/the_image/2980590/thumb_square_376197-104_2.jpg)
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
Estimate
$800,000 -
1,200,000
Now watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
No longer watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
Lincoln's Autograph Sum Book Leaf, signed three times, Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826
Estimate
$300,000 -
400,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph sum book leaf signed three times ("Abraham Lincoln"), Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph sum book leaf signed three times ("Abraham Lincoln"), Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826.
The Adams Handbill, The Only Known Surviving Copy Of Lincoln's First Printed Work, 5 August 1837.
Estimate
$200,000 -
300,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). To the Public... Springfield: N.p., 5 August 1837.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). To the Public... Springfield: N.p., 5 August 1837.
Oval Bust Portrait by Alexander Hesler, signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
Estimate
$100,000 -
150,000
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
Lincoln and Hamlin campaign flag, ca 1860.
Estimate
$20,000 -
30,000
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.
Leonard Wells Volk (1828-1895), marble sculpture of Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
Estimate
$5,000 -
8,000
Now watching [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
No longer watching [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
Lincoln and Hamlin campaign torch, ca 1860.
Estimate
$1,000 -
1,500
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
Estimate
$200,000 -
300,000
Now watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
No longer watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") as Postmaster, to Blair and Rives, 3 November 1835.
Estimate
$80,000 -
120,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln P.M."), as Postmaster, to Blair & Rives, New Salem, Illinois, 3 November 1835.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln P.M."), as Postmaster, to Blair & Rives, New Salem, Illinois, 3 November 1835.
First Printing of Lincoln's Celebrated Second Inaugural Address, 1865.
Estimate
$40,000 -
60,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
Estimate
$800,000 -
1,200,000
Now watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
No longer watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A pair of blood-stained white kid-leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865.
Lincoln's Autograph Sum Book Leaf, signed three times, Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826
Estimate
$300,000 -
400,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph sum book leaf signed three times ("Abraham Lincoln"), Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph sum book leaf signed three times ("Abraham Lincoln"), Pigeon Creek, Spencer County, Indiana, ca 1824-1826.
The Adams Handbill, The Only Known Surviving Copy Of Lincoln's First Printed Work, 5 August 1837.
Estimate
$200,000 -
300,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). To the Public... Springfield: N.p., 5 August 1837.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). To the Public... Springfield: N.p., 5 August 1837.
Oval Bust Portrait by Alexander Hesler, signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
Estimate
$100,000 -
150,000
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer. An oval bust portrait signed ("A. Lincoln"), ca 3 June 1860.
Lincoln and Hamlin campaign flag, ca 1860.
Estimate
$20,000 -
30,000
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign flag, ca 1860.
Leonard Wells Volk (1828-1895), marble sculpture of Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
Estimate
$5,000 -
8,000
Now watching [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
No longer watching [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. VOLK, Leonard Wells, sculptor (1828-1895). A marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln's right hand. 1869.
Lincoln and Hamlin campaign torch, ca 1860.
Estimate
$1,000 -
1,500
Now watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.
No longer watching [LINCOLN-HAMLIN CAMPAIGN]. A campaign torch, ca 1860.
[LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
Estimate
$200,000 -
300,000
Now watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
No longer watching [LINCOLN ASSASSINATION]. A cuff button worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865.
Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") as Postmaster, to Blair and Rives, 3 November 1835.
Estimate
$80,000 -
120,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln P.M."), as Postmaster, to Blair & Rives, New Salem, Illinois, 3 November 1835.
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln P.M."), as Postmaster, to Blair & Rives, New Salem, Illinois, 3 November 1835.
First Printing of Lincoln's Celebrated Second Inaugural Address, 1865.
Estimate
$40,000 -
60,000
Now watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].
No longer watching LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. [Washington, D.C., 1865].
Auction Specialists
Christopher Brink
Senior Specialist, Head of Sale, Books & Manuscripts, Chicago
Darren Winston
SVP, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts, Philadelphia
Katie Horstman
VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography
Wes Cowan
Vice Chairman Emeritus, Founder of Cowan's Auction
Emily Payne
Specialist, American Historic Ephemera and Early Photography
Kaylan Gunn
Specialist, American Historic Ephemera and Early Photography
Joshua McCracken
Associate Cataloguer, Books & Manuscripts
Colin Foley
Associate Specialist
Adam Dias
Associate Cataloguer, Books & Manuscripts
Learn more about
Books & Manuscripts
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