Description:

First Abraham Lincoln Portrait With Full Beard, Taken from Original 1861 Negative w/ Provenance!

Photographic print, measuring 7.5" x 9.5" (visible), ca. 1894, [Springfield, IL]. A silver gelatin print produced from an 1861 negative depicting then President-elect Abraham Lincoln, the first portrait in which he can be seen sporting a full beard, likely taken two months before his inauguration in January of that year. This particular print was created directly from the original negative captured by Springfield photographer C. S. German, which had since become part of the collection of Herbert Wells Fay (1859-1949), custodian to the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In addition to serving the position for over twenty-five years, Fay would also become a notable collector of Lincolniana. Present at bottom left corner is his copyright mark from the year 1894. Shows minor silvering, with general toning to outside border; moderate wear to frame, including rubbing and bumping throughout. Displayed to the overall size of 9.75" x 11.75". Very good overall.

Accompanied by a fantastic letter of provenance mounted on verso from an associate of Fay, dated December 22, 1930. Reading in full:

"The enclosed picture of Lincoln is a direct print from an original unretouched negative, now belonging to Mr. H. W. Fay, the custodian of the Lincoln Monument, in Oakridge Cemetery, at Springfield, Illinois. It was taken in January 1861, after Mr. Lincoln was elected but before he left for the inauguration at Washington. It was during this period that Lincoln grew his beard, hence the rather shaggy appearance. Mr. Fay is an old friend of our family, and it is only when we catch him in just the right mood that he will allow prints to be made from this negative."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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October 18, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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