A signed photograph of Abraham Lincoln dating to 1861 made $49,913 at Nate D Sanders on January 29.

Famed photojournalist Alexander Gardner took this photograph of Lincoln

The scene was captured by renowned war photographer Alexander Gardner. A brief note from John Hay, Lincoln's private secretary, on the reverse reads: ''I certify that the President's signature is genuine / John Hay". 

The lot was accompanied by a letter of provenance that reads: "This photograph, taken shortly after his arrival in Washington, depicts Lincoln with his hand swollen from shaking hands with dignitaries right after his arrival. 

"He signed photos of this pose with his earlier presidential signature, a bit more legible than his later signatures."

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about autograph auctions.