Large matte-finish 13.25 x 10.5 albumen photograph of Abraham Lincoln standing in front of his Springfield home with two of his sons in the summer of 1860, an image originally taken by John Adams Whipple of Boston. The photo is affixed to its original 19.25 x 14 presentation mount with lower caption text, “Abraham Lincoln at home.” Below this, the mat errantly notes that the photo shows Lincoln delivering his “Farewell Address to his Old Neighbors, Springfield, February 12, 1861.” This is impossible given Lincoln’s beardless face and the presence of leaf-covered trees. The blurred figure visible on the sidewalk below was Isaac Diller, a playmate of the Lincoln boys who ran over to appear in the picture and then, at the moment the photo was taken, moved. Only his socks and shoes are in focus. Published by Charles Desilver of Philadelphia, with adjacent caption text reading: “Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1865, by Chas. Desilver, in the Clerk’s Office in the Dist. Court of the E. D. of Penna.” In very good to fine condition, with areas of scuffing and wear to the left side, and scattered marks to the mat.
Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Lincoln collector Joseph Garrera, who states that the photograph “was formerly owned by the notable Lincoln collector Valentine Björkman (1874-1939)...[whose] Lincoln collection was on display at the Newark Athletic Club where he served as general manager prior to his death in 1939. Upon Björkman's death, his Lincoln collection was donated to Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey. It was subsequently sold when the college declared bankruptcy in 1995. This historical image was showcased in Stuart Schneider's 1997 book, published by Schiffer titled ‘Collecting Lincoln with Values,’ page 20.” A copy of the book’s description is included.
