Small Walnut Carved "Lincoln & Hamlin" Commemorative Cup

Description:

Small Walnut Carved "Lincoln & Hamlin" Commemorative Cup, possibly Illinois, after 1860, the square form with rounded corners and flared rim, one side carved with the words "Lincoln & Hamlin," one side carved with Lincoln wielding an axe, one side carved with tools including an axe, and one side carved with crossed sticks and a bag, all on a square foot, ht. 2 1/2 in.

Note: A small 20th century newspaper clipping is included with this lot, which tells the story of this piece. There, it is reported that the piece was carved from a walnut rail split by Abraham Lincoln himself. That rail, from which the cup was carved, was brought to Chicago in 1860, for the national convention at which Lincoln was nominated for President. Lincoln obtained a piece of that rail after the convention, and had three keepsakes (a cane, a mallet, and this cup) made for Mr. Ira Haworth, a delegate at the convention and friend of Lincoln. Upon his death in 1909, Mr. Haworth passed the cup to his niece, Mrs. Pearl Bartle, the owner at the time of the article's writing.
Estimate $3,000-5,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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