Quill pen, 5.5″ long, made by Abraham Lincoln’s cousin and tutor, Dennis F. Hanks. Pen is tied with green ribbon to a 4.5 x 2 card, with a handwritten statement that reads: “Aug. 1884. This pen was made by Denni [sic] F. Hanks, the man who taught Abraham Lincoln to write. It is like the one he made for Abe when he gave him his ‘First Lesson.’ Mr. Hanks lives in Charleston, Coles Co. [Illinois] and is 86 years of Age. Presented by S. H. Davis.” The card and pen have been affixed to a 7 x 6 card. In fine condition. Also included is a handwritten document, 6.25 x 5, signed by six jurors, which reads, in full: “We the Jury agree and find a Verdict in favour of the Defendant.” The third signature is that of Dennis F. Hanks, “D. F. Hanks.” Hanks’ pen was part of the H. W. Fay Collection sold at Riba-Mobley Auctions on October 26, 1985.
