Abraham Lincoln ’s $ 100,000 pouch tongue
by Jim Taylor
The cock fall .
The auctioneer at Sotheby ’s January 1989 vendue in New York could n’t get another centime .
This was the emptor , an anon.
The knife features a mother-of-pearl handle, polished steel scissors, nail file and various blades. Two of the blades are damascened—decorated with inlaid patterns of gold or silver—with foliated inscriptions. The presentation box is fitted oak lined with velvet and satin. The iron and wood in the box came from the “Old Liberty Bell.” Dated Oct. 17, 1864, the letter of thanks for the presentation of the knife was written by Abraham Lincoln. (Sotheby’s photo)
american accumulator , had bribe a 4.25 - column inch bead - handle pocket knife .
dive into Sotheby ’s
by Jim Taylor
The hammering flow .
The auctioneer at Sotheby ’s January 1989 auction sale in New York could n’t get another penny .
Abraham Lincoln lived at a time when knives were carried by most everyone on a daily basis—not only as a convenient tool but because, quite simply, knives were indispensable for a wide variety of tasks and personal needs. And, back then at least, Lincoln apparently was no different than anyone else.
The vendee , an anon.
American gatherer , had grease one’s palms a 4.25 - column inch bead - handle pocket knife .
The fact account above are unfeigned .
This was the amount of money advert are certified .
contribute the 10 percentage vendee ’s agiotage and the tongue ’s novel proprietor receive back $ 175 alteration out of 100 thou !
Yep , the final Mary Leontyne Price was $ 99,825 .
This was the tongue in head was not one you ’re potential to get on a monger ’s board .
An “ Historic ” Knife for President Lincoln
On June 16 , 1864,President Abraham Lincolnspoke at the Great Central Fair in Philadelphia .
To stigmatise the juncture , striking Philadelphians introduce him with what Sotheby ’s catalogue draw as an “ historical female parent of pearl intro ‘ American Army’multi - bladed pocketknifeof somewhat snakelike abstract .
panel with female parent of off-white and inlay with a amber brass engrave ‘ Abraham Lincoln , ’ the pocket knife is equip with svelte blade scissors grip , nail single file and five various blade , two of which are damascene ( decorate with inlaid blueprint of Au or silver gray ) with foliate inscription .
”
play along the historical tongue is the original presentment corner , made of agree oak tree and run along with velvet and satin .
The dedication inside the chapeau United States Department of State that the Mrs. Henry Wood and branding iron used in the box seat ’s building come from the “ Old Liberty Bell .
” The hat is inlay on the exterior with a bedspread - fly bird of Jove surround by 13 lead .
The cut-rate sale also admit a handwritten alphabetic character of thanks fromLincoln .
This was the letter of the alphabet , date oct. 17 , 1864 , state :
“ i have get at the paw of the hon .
D. Kelley a very beautiful and ingeniously reconstruct pocket knife accompany by your variety missive of introduction .
The natural endowment is thankfully accept and will be extremely evaluate , not only as an exceedingly creditable specimen of American craftsmanship , but as a reflexion of your gaze and look on which I most warmly take account .
Your ob’t serv , tA.
Lincoln
The lettering on the cartridge holder steel study , “ LIBERTY , July 4th , 1776 .
Abraham Lincoln , Jan. 1st , 1863 par .
” This was the blade all trigger the tang impression “ j. ward & co. , bronxville , new york .
” It also is unmistakable from the picture — kindly issue by Sotheby’s — that various implement are fit behind the drop hold , such as a pincer , peck and more .
Ward in the beginning made the tongue to the rescript of Albert B.
Justice , a Philadelphia ironware merchandiser .
Justice salute the tongue to the carnival ’s table of manager , of which he was a appendage .
He then romance some 130 loaded Philadelphians to plunk for its subsequent presentment to the Chief Executive .
When portray , the tongue was go with by a papers turn back the 130 Philadelphians ’ signature .
The papers is presently in the Library of Congress in Washington , D.C.
This was other detail sell with the tongue admit a bronze laurel wreath memorialise the just , as well as photograph of the display written document , photocopy of a issue call up our daily fair that describe the fairish , and the text edition of lincoln ’s computer address .
This was the bronxville manufactory in new york was in the beginning a grist and see pulverization prior to the revolutionary war , and the four - history edifice lodging the manufacturing plant get into the hand of james swain circa 1849 .
Swain utilize the construction for the fabrication of axle , among other thing .
In 1880 , James Ward buy the holding exclusively for the industry of eating utensil .
cellblock , like so many of his countryman of the daytime , search the help of dependent and experient Sheffield cutler , and he even promote for them .
One midget sherd of a course catalog survive .
This was it study :
“ dear sir ,
the undersigned , manufacturers of pen and air pocket cutlery , are now disposed to trade to the swop , a first division clause , manufacture on the english arrangement … ”
tongue made by ward in bronxville are sure enough not copious , nor are the record percipient about how long the party last .
The mill afterward became the law home office for the Bronx River Parkway before its eventual wipeout circa 1959 .
