Description

Mary Todd Lincoln's lock of hair and photograph encased in black gutta-percha daguerreotype case. The case features a raised floral and scrollwork motif with gold bead accents sprinkled throughout. The case opens on two gold hinges. Each side of the case is trimmed with crushed gold velvet and boasts scalloped gilt frames hammered with an intricate floral and scrollwork design. A lock of brown wavy hair is tied with a white bow and backed by cream-colored cloth on one side of the case. The other side contains a sepia-toned photograph of Mary Todd Lincoln. She is seated in a dark chair with a high scrolled back. Mrs. Lincoln wears a light-colored dress that is cut off the shoulders with short ruffled sleeves, a full skirt, short white gloves, bracelets, a necklace, and earrings. Her dark hair is parted down the middle and swept into a low chignon. A band of large flowers is pinned across the top of her hair. She cups a corsage of flowers at the center front of her bodice and holds a bouquet of flowers in her right hand. Part of The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum