Sell or Auction Your Abraham Lincoln Signature for up to $40,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Sell Your Abraham Lincoln Signature
Consign your item at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images of your item to us at [email protected].
Here are some Abraham Lincoln signature items we have sold in the past:
Important Civil War letter signed by President Abraham Lincoln, exactly one week after the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg that left Lincoln in ”a worse place than hell” upon hearing the results of the ”butchery” of Union forces. The hope of taking the Confederacy’s capital of Richmond had been stymied yet again, and criticism of Lincoln’s handling of the war reached such a pitch that there was even serious consideration of removing him as Commander-in-Chief. In this letter, written to Major Generals William B. Franklin and William F. Smith, Lincoln responds to another possible plan of how to approach the city, presented by the Generals (see lot 135 for Franklin and Smith’s plan). General Franklin, in particular, was likely trying to fix the problem of capturing Richmond, as his command of the Left Grand Division during the Battle of Fredericksburg had been criticized in some quarters; Lincoln, however, views this new plan with skepticism and even issues a mild rebuke at the end of the letter, for what seems to be an inconsistency in Franklin’s recommended strategy. Single page letter is written in the hand of Lincoln’s secretary John G. Nicolay, boldly signed by Lincoln at the conclusion. On bifolium stationery measuring 7.875” x 9.875”. Fold lines, else near fine condition. Sold for $40,000.
Fascinating autograph letter signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1859, an unpublished letter written to Lincoln’s close associate Norman B. Judd, the Republican State Chairman of Illinois at the time. Lincoln discusses a plan to reach German voters in the state via the purchase of a printing press that would ostensibly print literature in German, saying he’s in favor of the plan if it would cost no more than $400 – ”we seem to be gaining with the Germans; and perhaps it is right to press our own luck while it runs favorably”. Single page letter measures 7.75” x 9.875”. Mounting remnant to one corner on verso, and restoration along fold on verso. Also an ink blot at bottom in what looks to be a fingerprint. Writing remains bold, overall very good plus condition. Sold for $25,000.
Abraham Lincoln autograph letter signed, datelined Springfield (Illinois) on 28 December 1857. As a 48-year old lawyer, Lincoln writes to his client William H. Davenport, the plaintiff in ”Davenport v. Sconce and Don Carlos”, a case involving fraud and collusion at the General Land Office in Danville, Illinois. Lincoln writes in full, ”W.H. Davenport / Dear Sir: / When I went to Danville in the fall I found that [defendant, Land Agent] Don Carlos had not yet been served with process. I was greatly vexed, and made an affidavit to have a publication made for him, as one who was evading process – Before the end of the term Drake & Moses (lawyers) concluded to, and did enter his appearance, upon which they were ruled to file answers by some day this winter – I think Jany. 1, but not quite certain – That was all I could do – When the answers shall be filed, I ought to have copies of them & I have not yet provided for getting them – / Yours very truly / A. Lincoln.” Lincoln would ultimately prevail for his client shortly before being elected President in November 1860. Letter measures 7.75” x 9.75” on laid paper with ”Windsor Mills” watermark. Partial separation along folds, repaired with tape to verso. A few spots of discoloration, overall in very good condition. Letter is published in ”The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln”, edited by Roy Basler and published in 1953. Sold for $15,000.
Collection of three items signed by four Presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Woodrow Wilson. Lot includes:
1) Scalloped ship’s paper signed by Thomas Jefferson as President and James Madison as Secretary of State. Attractive document features two nautical vignettes, undated, likely signed by the men prior to intended use as was the custom. With intact red wax-backed paper seal. Vellum document measures 10.25” x 15.5”. Folds, else near fine.
2) Abraham Lincoln autograph note signed as President, dated during the Civil War on 16 September 1861. Lincoln writes in full, ”I approve the within, if no objection is known at the War Department. / A. Lincoln / Sep. 16, 1861.” Visible portion of note measures 3.125” x 2”. Not examined out of frame, but appears near fine.
3. Large Woodrow Wilson signature, measuring 5” x 3”. Not examined out of frame. Some haloing to signature, else near fine. Sold for $13,750.
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement Signed as President for the Position of Chief of Police
Abraham Lincoln autograph endorsement signed as President, recommending an individual for Chief of Police based on the recommendation of New York Attorney General Daniel S. Dickinson. A Democrat endorsed by the Republican party, Dickinson was considered for Vice President in 1864 in an effort to appeal to pro-war Democrats. Endorsement reads in full, ”I personally know no-thing of Capt. Johnson; but I would be glad for Hon. D.S. Dickinson, who so warmly recommends him, to be obliged. If, therefore, the office of Chief of Police is vacant, or the Com. of Public Buildings is disposed to make it vacant, I shall be glad for Capt. Johnson to have it. / A. Lincoln / May 21, 1862.” Sheet measures 11” x 9”, with endorsement panel measuring 3” x 5”. Mild toning and age wear, overall in very good condition. Sold for $10,625.
Handsome vellum document signed by Abraham Lincoln as President, with Lincoln appointing Speed S. Fry Brigadier General of Volunteers. Dated 22 March 1862, Lincoln signs with his full name, ”Abraham Lincoln” at lower right. Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Folds and light dampstaining along bottom and right edge. Overall very good condition with fully intact blue paper seal. Sold for $10,588.
Abraham Lincoln Document Signed as President — Near Fine With Full, ”Abraham Lincoln” Signature
Elegant document signed by Abraham Lincoln as President, appointing Joseph Wilbar as Postmaster in Taunton, Massachusetts. Signed with his full name, ”Abraham Lincoln”, document dated 18 December 1861 is countersigned by Secretary of State William Seward. Measures 13.5” x 9.5” with paper covered red wax seal to verso. Folds and small repair to fold on verso. Overall near fine. Sold for $10,210.
Document signed by Abraham Lincoln on 23 February 1863, appointing Silas A. Miller as 2nd Lieutenant of the 12th U.S. Infantry. Miller would be KIA on the 2nd of July of that year at Gettysburg. Document features a blue stamped seal of the United States War department, and contains Lincoln’s signature to lower right. Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Large vellum document measures 15” x 19”, in a 24” x 29” frame bearing a small plaque reading ”Abraham Lincoln / February 23, 1863”. Folds to document and light discoloration along bottom. Very good to near fine. Sold for $10,068.
Abraham Lincoln military commission signed as President during the Civil War, appointing a Second Lieutenant on 1 August 1864. Lincoln elegantly signs with his full signature ”Abraham Lincoln” at lower right, countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Vellum document measures 15.75” x 19”, with intact green paper seal and military vignettes. Framed to 23.75” x 28.25”. Some shadowing of seal from folding and light discoloration, overall in very good plus condition with an unusually bold signature by Lincoln. Sold for $9,375.
Large collection of clipped Presidential and historical signatures, including two by Abraham Lincoln. Lot includes: (1-2) Two Lincoln signatures, each signed ”Abraham Lincoln” measuring 6” x 1.25” and 4” x 1”. (3-5) Three signatures by James Madison, each signed ”James Madison”, measuring 5” x 2.5”, 5” x 2” and 4.75” x 1.25”. (6-7) Two signatures by James Monroe, each signed ”James Monroe”, measuring 5.75” x 3” and 5” x 1”. (8) Andrew Jackson signature signed ”Andrew Jackson”, measuring 6” x 1.375”. (9) Martin Van Buren signature signed ”M Van Buren”, measuring 5” x 2”. (10-11) Two signatures by Ulysses S. Grant, each signed ”U.S. Grant”, measuring 4” x 2.5” and 5” x 1.5”. (12-13) Two signatures by James Polk, each signed ”James K. Polk”, measuring 5.25” x 2” and 4.25” x 1.5”. (14) Signature by Vice President John Calhoun, signed here ”J.C. Calhoun” as Secretary of War under James Monroe. Measures 4.625” x 2”. (15) Signature by William L. Marcy, signed ”W.L. Marcy” as Secretary of War under James Polk, measuring 3.5” x 1.25”. All measurements are approximate, most with irregular edges. Most signatures are on vellum, likely taken from documents signed as President, and remain in very good to near fine condition. The taller U.S. Grant signature has a closed tear affecting the ”t” in Grant. An excellent Presidential collection. Sold for $9,375.
Highly desirable 1860 check signed by the nation’s then rising star, Abraham Lincoln and made out entirely in his hand. Drawn on the Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company, check is dated 12 January 1860, the day that Lincoln argued a case before the Illinois Supreme Court, defending the Illinois Central Railroad against a lawsuit filed by the state concerning unpaid taxes. Lincoln also traded in his old buggy to a carriage maker on this day and wrote the check offered here, payable to Ruth, Matheny & Watson for $5.00. Signed ”A. Lincoln”. Measures 7.25” x 2.25”. With cancellation cut above signature, overall in near fine condition. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $9,000.
Abraham Lincoln 4-Language Ship’s Paper Signed — With Full ”Abraham Lincoln” Signature
As President, Abraham Lincoln signs his full name in black ink to a blank ship’s passport. Document is co-signed by Secretary of State, William H. Seward. Document retains its paper seal of the United States and is printed in 4 languages: French, Spanish, English and Dutch, respectively. Measures 19.5” x 16”. Minor repairs at folds, overall near fine condition. Sold for $9,000.
Abraham Lincoln military document signed as President. Here, Lincoln appoints Simon F. Barstow to Assistant Adjutant General with the rank of Captain; Barstow would later be given a citation for bravery during the Battle of Gettysburg. Dated 6 March 1862, Lincoln signs ”Abraham Lincoln” above an elaborate engraved vignette. Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Vellum document has intact blue seal. Measures 14.5” x 18.5”. In beautiful condition with typical folds and remarkably, no toning. Near fine condition. Sold for $8,750.
Large document signed by President Abraham Lincoln, signed in the first weeks of his presidency, on 28 March 1861. Lincoln appoints Nathaniel Low, Jr. as Postmaster of Dover New Hampshire. With a full ”Abraham Lincoln” signature and also countersigned by William Seward, who served as Lincoln’s Secretary of State. Very few Lincoln signatures exist from the four weeks of peace before the outbreak of Civil War on 12 April 1861. Document measures 17.5” x 11.5”, partially affixed to a linen mat. Folds and some foxing, overall in very good condition. Sold for $8,750.
Abraham Lincoln Letter Signed as President — Written on Executive Mansion Stationery
Abraham Lincoln letter signed as President, dated 26 July 1862. Written on ”Executive Mansion, Washington” stationery, letter reads: ”Dear Sir / Herewith I send you my autograph which you desire. Yours Truly” and then signed by Lincoln, ”A. Lincoln”. Card-style letter measures 5” x 8”. Two horizontal folds not affecting signature and very minor toning, otherwise near fine condition, with a very bold and striking signature by Lincoln. With a COA from University Archives. Sold for $8,750.
Handwritten note by President Abraham Lincoln signed ”A. Lincoln” in the early stages of the Civil War as both sides were quickly industrializing for combat. Dated 31 October 1861, note reads in full, ”If the gentlemen bearing this are, as they say, workmen in the line of works at the Arsenal, I think Major Ramsey better employ them. A. Lincoln / Oct. 31 1861.” A hint of frustration can be felt in Lincoln’s note, only days after the Union’s humiliating defeat at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, which resulted in Congressional oversight of the war through formation of the Committee on the Conduct of the War. In this note, Lincoln refers to then Lt. Colonel George Ramsay, Commander of Arsenals, incorrectly identifying him as Major, although he was promoted a few months earlier, and ultimately made General in 1863. Notecard measures 3.25” x 2”. Uniformly toned and moderately foxed. Overall in very good condition, easily readable and visually engaging. Originally sold by 1930’s autograph dealer Thomas F. Madigan as evidenced from label of original, included frame. Sold for $8,711.
Abraham Lincoln Military Appointment Signed as President — With Full ”Abraham Lincoln” Signature
Abraham Lincoln military commission signed as President, appointing Samuel B. Roney to the rank of Captain, signed on 1 March 1864. Vellum document features a prominent signature by Lincoln with his full name, ”Abraham Lincoln”, decorative military vignettes, and green paper seal. Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Measures 14.75” x 18.375”. Folds including one through top of signature. Unusually bright vellum displays beautifully, in near fine condition. Sold for $8,319.
Abraham Lincoln autograph note signed as President on 27 March 1862. Lincoln responds to a letter by Senator James F. Windsor, requesting the appointment of William Warren as Quartermaster in Iowa. Lincoln hand-writes, ”Let the appointment of William A. Warren, as written requested, be made. / A. Lincoln / March 27, 1862.” Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Light uniform toning and separation starting along folds, overall very good plus condition. With COA from PSA/DNA. Sold for $8,250.
Abraham Lincoln Document Signed as President in 1865 — With Full “Abraham Lincoln” Signature
Just a month before his death, Abraham Lincoln signs an official Presidential appointment “Abraham Lincoln” with an engraving of his name arching across the top. The document appoints Jeremiah Lothrop to the position of “Appraiser of Merchandise for the Port of New York in the State of New York”. Acting Secretary of the Treasury George Harrington countersigns. The lower left bears a faintly embossed Treasury Department seal. Partly printed document is dated 7 March 1865 and measures 17.75″ x 14″. 1″ separation at top fold, else near fine condition. A fantastic, bold Abraham Lincoln signature. Sold for $7,986.
President Abraham Lincoln Military Document Signed From 1863 — With Full ”Abraham Lincoln” Signature
Civil War military document signed by Abraham Lincoln on 5 December 1863, appointing Captain John R. Jennings as Assistant Quartermaster. Document features a green stamped seal of the United States War department, and contains Lincoln’s full signature to lower right, ”Abraham Lincoln”. Countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Large vellum document measures 15.75” x 19”. Folds, otherwise near fine. Sold for $7,563.
Abraham Lincoln document signed as President, appointing Henry S. Wetmore as U.S. Consul to Peru on 14 February 1865. Beautiful diplomatic document with wax-based paper seal shows Lincoln’s full ”Abraham Lincoln” signature, countersigned by William Seward as Secretary of State. Wetmore commanded the 9th Ohio Battery during the Civil War and would later be in charge of registering former slaves to vote in Savannah, Georgia. He also advocated for Chinese laborers in Peru, whose treatment he witnessed first hand as Consul. Document measures 22.5” x 17.5”. Partial separation along vertical fold at bottom, with some paper loss, and a few small holes at intersecting folds, otherwise near fine condition with a bold, unobstructed signature by Lincoln. Sold for $7,500.
As President, Abraham Lincoln sings his full name in black ink to a document, appointing Stillman E. Dana to the position of ”Deputy Postmaster at Portage City, in the State of Wisconsin” on 18 April 1861, just 6 weeks after Lincoln officially took office and less than a week after Fort Sumter. Lincoln signs boldly and clearly ”Abraham Lincoln” at lower right. Document retains its paper seal at lower left and is co-signed by Secretary of State, William H. Seward. Measures 15” x 9.75”. 2” closed tear to top edge, 0.5” closed tear to left edge, small losses to right edge at folds, minor holes at intersecting folds and minor creasing, but overall very good condition with little toning and striking signature. Sold for $7,500.
Abraham Lincoln autograph note signed as President, addressed to his Secretary of State William Seward and his Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Composed entirely in Lincoln’s hand, note reads in full, ”Sec. of State, and of War, please give me their opinions whether this court named within can now be dispensed with consistently with the public service. A. Lincoln / Oct. 12, 1863”. Single page measures 7.75” x 9.75”. Folds and very light soiling, overall very good condition with bold handwriting. Sold for $7,500.
As President, Abraham Lincoln signs his full name in black ink to a document, appointing Edwin C. Larned as ”Attorney of the United States in & for the Northern District of Illinois” on 28 March 1861. Lincoln entered office just 24 days prior, on 4 March 1861, and the Civil War would break out 15 days later. Larned was an anti-slavery public speaker and personal friend of Lincoln. Document is co-signed by William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and retains its Presidential paper seal at lower left. Document measures 15.5” x 9.5”, framed to 20.5” x 15.5”. Minor holing at fold intersections, otherwise near fine with a bold signature by Lincoln. Sold for $7,500.
1860 Check Written and Signed by Abraham Lincoln — Year of His Successful Campaign for President
Abraham Lincoln handwritten and signed check, dated 28 January 1860, and made out to ”W.P. McKinnie” in the amount of $4.20. Check, drawn on the Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company, is signed in ink, ”A. Lincoln”. Just a month after this check was signed, Lincoln delivered his important Cooper Union Speech to New York Republicans, a milestone in his quest for the Presidency. In May 1860, Lincoln became the Republican candidate for President and would campaign throughout 1860 until his success at the polls in November. Minor smudging to signature on 7.75” x 2.75” check, else near fine condition. Sold for $7,199.
Abraham Lincoln Signed Card as President — With PSA/DNA COA
Abraham Lincoln signed card, inscribed and dated by the President on 11 February 1864. Lincoln writes in full, ”For Clement M. Brown. / A. Lincoln / Feb. 11 1864.” Card measures 3.5” x 2.125”, mounted to mat measuring 6.5” x 4.375”. Minor smudging to writing, overall very good condition. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $7,048.
Abraham Lincoln Signature With University Archives COA
Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, the country’s greatest moral, cultural, constitutional, and political crisis. He succeeded in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, bolstering the federal government, and modernizing the U.S. economy.
Abraham Lincoln signature, signed “A. Lincoln.” upon a slip measuring 4.375″ x 2″. Slip is handwritten “Albany” upon the verso with evidence of previous inlay around the edges. Small .25″ closed tear repaired at top. Very good to near fine condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $4,060.
Consign your item at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images of your item to us at [email protected].
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your item that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).