Abraham Lincoln's Illinois desk sells for $120,000 at Profiles in History

Abraham Lincoln's desk from his time in the Illinois House of Representatives has sold for $120,000 in Profiles in History's December 16 sale in California.

The lot is made from yellow walnut wood and was used while the future president served as a Whig representative in the Prairie State during the 1830s.

Abraham Lincoln desk
Lincoln served in the Illionois Legislature before his election to Congress

It was accompanied by several letters of provenance from previous owners, while a note pasted to its underside reads: "This desk was used by Abraham Lincoln during his last two terms as a member of the Illinois Legislature from 1838-1842.

"It was afterwards occupied by J.C. Graham a personal friend of Lincoln who acquired its possession and ownership when the state replaced the old fashioned desks by new ones."

There were several other important Lincoln artefacts in the sale, including an autograph letter to Whig politician Thurlow Weed relating to the 1860 presidential elections.

It references each of his opponents (John Bell, John C Breckenridge and Stephen A Douglas). He seems particularly nervous about Douglas, writing: "I think there will be the most extraordinary effort ever made, to carry New-York for Douglas.

"You, and all others who write me from your state, think the effort can not succeed; and I hope you are right; still it will require close watching, and great effort on the other side."

It sold for $70,000.

We have these fragments of wallpaper from Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois.

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

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock