Hair of John Brown

Hair of John Brown - Inventory Number: IDE 169

John Brown (1800-1859) was a zealous opponent of slavery who was hanged for treason, murder, and conspiracy after an attempt to capture the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry and distribute the weapons to slaves. A lock of John Brown's hair containing five strands that measure 1 to 1.25 inches each. The original lock was obtained by Charles Godfrey Gunther, the Mayor of New York City from 1864 to 1866, and then acquired directly from a family descendant.

The original lot which this was associated with had excellent provenance, a copy of which is provided and was described as follows: LOCK OF JOHN BROWN'S HAIR ACQUIRED DIRECTLY FROM A FAMILY DESCENDANT OF THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY FROM 1864 TO 1866.

The lock of hair has been nicely displayed with a description and a reproduction portrait of Brown to an overall size of 11 by 8.5 inches, beautifully matted and framed, in fine condition, and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity from University Archives, the leading historical documents and relics company in the world.          

Brown, John of Osawatomie (1800-1859), Clipped lock of hair with contemporary note card from 1856, tied with silk thread, card reading: "Lock of the Hair of John Brown. Hung at Charleston Va. Decr. 2nd, 1859. His remains were immediately after the execution placed on the Express train for the North and arrived in New York Sunday morning where it was placed in charge of McGraw & Taylor Undertakers (Bowery) to be laid out in accordance with the wishes of his friends. Presented by Charles Close Esq. January 17th, 1860," Ig. lock 1 1/2 in., (soiling and tear to card, toned).

Provenance: C. Godrey Gunther, former Mayor of New York City, 1864-65. Then by descent to present owner.

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Inventory Number: IDE 169