Latest news with #LincolnAuction
Fox News
22-05-2025
- Fox News
Abraham Lincoln's possessions sell for millions as bloodstained gloves top auction
An auction of the personal belongings of President Abraham Lincoln featured one rare item that caught the attention of many. A pair of gloves that were in Lincoln's pocket at Ford's Theatre the night he was shot drew in the largest bid, The Associated Press reported. The bloodstained gloves are made out of leather and went for $1.52 million, including a buyer's premium fee. Of the 144 items up for auction by Freeman's/Hindman in Chicago, 136 were sold. The auction was held to fund payments on a loan from 20 years ago that was taken out by the Lincoln Presidential Foundation. Another item that was found in Lincoln's possession the night of his assassination was a handkerchief — which sold for $826,000. Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on the night of April 14, 1865, while attending the play, "Our American Cousin." Also included in the auction was a "wanted" poster showing the three suspects in the assassination, including Wilkes Booth. The item sold for $762,500. A notebook showcasing Lincoln's handwriting from 1824 went for $521,200. It's reportedly the earliest known sample of his handwriting, according to AP. The artifacts came apart from the foundation's 1,540-item assemblage purchased in 2007 from Louise Taper for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, AP reported. In total, the auction raised $7.9 million, including the 28% buyers' premium on each sale.
Axios
28-03-2025
- Business
- Axios
Bidding now open for Illinois Treasurer's auction
If you're looking for an engagement ring or a rare coin for your collection, consider shopping at the Illinois Treasurer's Office. Driving the news: Treasurer Michael Frerichs' office is hosting an online auction of unclaimed property starting Friday. The auction closes April 6. The big picture: If private entities can't locate the owner of items such as jewelry, sports memorabilia or other collectibles, they are transferred to the state treasurer's office. The office hosts auctions throughout the year since it doesn't have the storage space to keep items forever. Zoom in: The Lincoln Auction includes a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio's bat, an 1881 U.S. $10 gold coin and an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet. There are also wedding bands, diamonds and costume jewelry, like colorful beaded necklaces and a pearl coin purse with a butterfly. Currency enthusiasts can find gold and silver coins, international money and four 1922 one-dollar bills. Context: The items were usually stored in a bank deposit box and when they were never claimed, most likely because the owner died, banks hand them over to the state, spokesperson Eric Krol tells Axios. The treasurer's office knows the owner of the item, but for a myriad of reasons, relatives or other possible heirs haven't claimed ownership. They most likely are unaware the items exist. How it works: Potential bidders for the auction have to create an account on HiBid or browse the online catalog and click on "Register to Bid." A 15% buyer's premium is added to the price and goes to the auction house. Relatives or others can claim the proceeds from the items if they have appropriate documentation to prove its owed to them. Reality check: These are not just old coins or stamp collections. The treasurer is holding more than $5 billion in unclaimed funds that can be returned to the rightful owner at no cost.
