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Abraham Lincoln's portable bar

Creator:
unknown
Location:
unknown place made
Origin Date:
1861-1865
Materials:
metal, wood
Measurements:
overall: 11 1/4 in x 12 3/4 in x 10 in
Item ID:
71.2009.082.0004a-b
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Three-dimensional Objects

Description

a) Rosewood portable bar is finished in black and features a serpentine front, carved borders on the top and face, and diamond-shaped floral and scrollwork designs inlaid in brown wood tones and mother of pearl on the top and face. The case rests on four round legs and has a metal lock device mounted on the center front directly below the design. The front of the case lifts up and pushes back to reveal the interior, and the sides swing out on hinges. b) The interior storage and serving rack features two tiers, scalloped edges, and a gilded looped handle with scrollwork and a shell design at the top. The upper tier features notches to hold eight cordial glasses. The lower tier is designed to hold four decanter bottles, two on each side, and eight cordial glasses, 71.2009.082.0005a-r. This portable bar with crystal cordial set was probably received as a gift by President Lincoln and used while he was in the White House. It was donated to the collection by Robert Lincoln Beckwith, great grandson of Abraham Lincoln. Part of The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum