85

Haunting image, bold signature, solid provenance

Abraham Lincoln

Photograph Signed, "A. Lincoln,"

vignetted carte-de-visite portrait by Gardner, showing him in ¾ view looking into the camera. Signed on the mount below the image. 3¼x2¼ inches (image), 4x2½ inches overall; faint marginal discoloration from prior matting to mount recto, uneven toning overall verso, remnants of mounting along upper and right edges verso, photographer's imprint verso.

Np, nd.

  • Notes: Hamilton and Ostendorf, Lincoln in Photographs, O-75.

    With--Two items: Morgan Dix, son of General John Adams Dix (1798-1879). Autograph Note Signed, to an unnamed recipient (lacking salutation): "President Lincoln, during an interview with my father General Dix at the White House, signed this photograph, and told him to take it to me with his kind regards." 1 page, 4x2½ inches * Louise Dix Rauh. Typed Letter Signed, to "Whom it May Concern," asserting that the "Signed Lincoln Carte-de-visite with the note from my great-grandfather, Morgan Dix, has been continuously owned within my family since President Lincoln gave it to General John Adams Dix." 1 page, 4to, personal stationery. Np, nd; East Montpelier, 11 July 2018.


    Provenance: Skinner, June 8, 2018, Lot 3103T.

    On August 9, 1863, President Lincoln, accompanied by Secretary Hay, visited the new portrait photography studio of Alexander and James Gardner on the corner of 7th and D Streets in Washington, DC; the present image was taken on this occasion. On the same day, Lincoln wrote to General Grant that "Gen Thomas has gone again to the Mississippi Valley, with the view of raising colored troops. . . . I believe it is a resource which, if vigorously applied now, will soon close the contest."
  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000