Abraham Lincoln's last sitting image may see $60,000 in Cincinnati

A negative from Abraham Lincoln's last sitting is expected to excel on June 21

A rare image from Abraham Lincoln's last sitting is to lead bids at a sale of American history on June 21.

This image was previously believed to be the last taken of the president

The colloidon negative was taken at what is widely acknowledged to be the last sitting that Lincoln made at the studio of Alexander Gardner. Gardner was a Scottish photographer who, after relocating to the US, made his name with his classic photographs of the American civil war, as well as his iconic images of America's beloved president.

The stereographic image, taken on February 5, 1865, was captured just two months before Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre on April 15. The shoot was previously believed to have been conducted just four days before the president was shot, making the resulting shots the very last images of the president. 

This has since been disproved however, with the last quality photograph of the president actually taken on the White House balcony on March 6, 1865. Nonetheless, the fantastic seated portrait provides an excellent opportunity for colllectors at $40,000-60,000 and will feature as top lot in the sale.

Also starring at the auction is a menu from the historic 1941 Atlantic Conference, which has been signed by all guests including both Franklin D Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. It was at the conference, on board the USS Flagship Augusta, that the Allied forces drafted the Atlantic Charter, which included agreed goals for the period following the second world war. The menu is estimated at $20,000-25,000.

Autographed menus from historic events can provide superb keepsakes for collectors. Paul Fraser Collectibles has a brilliant selection here, including this example signed by Charles Lindbergh following his groundbreaking flight across the Atlantic in 1927.

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Images: Cowan's Auctions Inc