George Washington: Strands of Hair with Signed COA by Charles Hamilton with Provenance. From the Custis-Powell Family. George Washington: 5-6 strands of George Washington's hair. Photocopy of provenance reads "Lock of hair of General George Washington given to Col. Powell by Mrs. Powell who had it from Mrs. Custis L Powell." The first owner of the hair was probably Eleanor Parke Custis, the granddaughter of Martha Washington and was raised at Mount Vernon. A later owner, Colonel Levin Powell (1738-1810) was an intimate friend of Washington and a Revolutionary War hero. When Col. Powell, successfully ran for Congress, Washington rode ten miles on his old iron-gray charger (warhorse or courser) to cast a vote for his friend. There are two LOA's one a photo copy but a second signed by Charles Hamilton in blue ink.
The lock of hair was previously framed with the COA signed by Hamilton. It was likely set within the notch of the COA 3 x 3.5" On the verso you can clearly tell it was lifted from a larger presentation due to adhesive and paper residue but in no way impacts the strands or the appeal of the entire piece. Obviously rare and know authenticated locks have sold for thousands in the past.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,500
U.S. Presidents
