June 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, June 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2013
Quill pen made by Dennis F. Hanks, Abraham Lincoln's cousin and tutor, credited with teaching Lincoln to write. When a milk sickness epidemic claimed the lives of Hanks' parents, Abe's father took Dennis Hanks -- ten years Abe's senior -- into the family home. Quill pen is tied with a green ribbon to a card bearing a handwritten statement that reads, in full, ''Aug. 1884. This pen was made by Denni [sic] F. Hanks, the man who taught Abraham Lincoln to write. It is like the one he made for Abe when he gave him his 'First Lesson.' Mr. Hanks lives in Charleston, Coles Co. [Illinois] and is 86 years of Age. Presented by S.H. Davis''. Quill measures 5.5'' in length, tied to a 4.5'' x 2'' card. Mounted to a second card to an overall size of 7'' x 6''. In fine condition given age. Quill has provenance from both Riba-Mobley and Heritage Auctions. Also accompanied by a document signed by Dennis Hanks, a courtroom verdict finding in favor of the defendant, bearing Hanks' rare signature, ''D.F. Hanks'' as a juror and measuring 6.25'' x 5''. Near fine. Letter has provenance from Sotheby's.
Quill Pen Handcrafted by Abraham Lincoln's Cousin Dennis F. Hanks, Who Taught Lincoln to Write While Growing Up in the Same Household
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