July 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific

Collection of Ulysses S. Grant's Strands of Hair Encased in a Gold Locket

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2014

Collection of at least 12 strands of Ulysses S. Grant's hair encased in a gold-filled locket with original chain. Rounded square-shaped locket features an image of the President opposite the strands and has a floral design to verso with the letter ''G'' engraved to obverse. Measures .75'' x .75'' and does not close completely, though can be expertly repaired. Includes an 8 January 1886 notarized Letter of Provenance, in possession of University Archives reading in part: ''Edward T. Butts being duly sworn says that on the day of 1885 he resided and still resides at No 31 India Street Greenpoint City of Brooklyn County of Kings and State if New York, and that he was employed by Mr Stephen W. Merritt undertaker and doing business at No 210 Eight Avenue City of New York. Deponent further says that on the 24th day of July 1885 he in company with the aforesaid Mr Merritt, and one TJ Hemma who was also employed by said Merritt...proceeded to Mount McGregor for the purpose of reembalming and laying out Gen Grant. that on the 25th day of July 1885 deponent Mr. Merritt and Thomas J. Hemma duly arrived at Mount McGregor and proceeded to the home of the deceased Gen Grant and then and there reembalmed and laid out Gen Grant and that at the time aforesaid deponent trimed [sic, trimmed] and cut his beard and hair and preserved said trimming of said beard and hair and that there after on the 8th day of January 1886 deponent presented a part of said beard to and hair to Henry Matzinger of No 35 Greenpoint Avenue City of Brooklyn...'' Signed ''E.T. Butts'' and ''Henry Matzinger''. Overall, near fine.