Description:

George Washington
n.p., n.d.
George Washington Documented Hair Lock, Charles Hamilton Cert from 1950s or 60s
Hair

Dozens of strands of Washington's hair, presented with a lovely engraving and authentication by legendary expert Charles Hamilton. Set into a 16" x 14.25" vintage frame together with a 9.5" x 7" statement of provenance bearing Hamilton's signed certification at the conclusion. The frame bears light traces of wear but is nonetheless perfect for prominent display.

The lock has superb provenance in the form of a copy of a typed statement written by the granddaughter of famed hotelier John Gadsby, whose establishment Washington was known to frequent. Gadsby was personally gifted this lock upon Washington's death. Gadsby's granddaughter, Julia Ten Eyck McBlair, offers the following statement, which is notarized and bears Charles Hamilton's authentication personally signed by him in brown ink.

In full:

"This lock of General Washington's hair, belonged to my Grandfather, Mr. John Gadsby.

Mr. Gadsby was born in Brighton, England, he was an Architect, came to America about 1785–1790 and was naturalized, he lived in Alexandria, Virginia for some years, was an im-porter, owned from twelve to twenty vessels in the harbor at Alexandria. Imported wines, that after five voyages had an international reputation. He engaged in many activities, among others he owned and conducted the 'Alexandria Tavern' here was the centre of Social Life, all the entertainments, the weekly ball; concerts &c. were held. General Washington attended these festivities, danced at the balls &c.

From the porch he reviewed the Troops, his last official act, after that he conversed with Mr. Gadsby, asking what could be had for Dinner, Mr. Gadsby told him the larder was well supplied and suggested Wild Duck and Hominy, General Washington said that would do admirably, with a bottle of the 'Old Madeira'.

After Dinner he returned to Mt. Vernon, was stricken with illness and two days later he died, in 1799.

In view of the friendship and association with his last days, Mr. Gadsby became possessed of this lock of hair, it was framed and hung under General Washingtons [sic] portrait in our home in Washington City, there I have seen it all my life. Julia Ten Eyck McBlair".

There follows a notary's affidavit: "Subscribed and sworn to before me, a Commissioner of Deeds, in and for the State of New Jersey, at Point Pleasant, N.J. this 27th. day of July A.D. 1928 (Signed) Oliver F. Van Kamp Commissioner of Deeds"

Finally, Charles Hamilton's certification with his handwritten signature:

"I certify that I personally removed the affixed lock of George Washington's hair from the antique frame to which was attached the original of the above affidavit. (Signed) Charles Hamilton Autograph Expert."

John Gadsby (1766-1844) was the owner of several famous hotels, including the historic Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, VA. Now a museum, the tavern was the epicenter for the elite during Washington's time, and counted among its guests American Presidents such as Thomas Jefferson and Washington, as well as other luminaries. In addition to providing commodious lodgings at the Tavern in Alexandria, Gadsby organized the first George Washington Birthnight Ball in 1780, which continues to this day.

Gadsby was the premier hotelier of Alexandria, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. His hotels were huge and prided themselves on its state of the art amenities such as offering hot and cold baths as well as a plethora of staff -- both free and enslaved -- to cater to their guests.

Julia Ten Eyck McBlair (1848-1935) was the daughter of William Gadsby's daughter Augusta Gadsby McBlair (1815-1903). Augusta married Maj. John Hollins McBlair, Sr. (1812-1891) in 1845 and the couple had three children: John, Virginia and the original owner of this lock, Julia Gadsby Ten Eyck McBlair.

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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  • Dimensions: 19.5" x 14.25"
  • Medium: Hair

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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