Description Thomas Jefferson: Strands of Hair. Approximately fourteen strands of hair belonging to Thomas Jefferson, housed in a glassine envelope. The accompanying provenance indicates the original lock of hair from whence this came was obtained by Dr. Robley Dunglison, personal physician to Jefferson prior to and at the time of his death. It then passed to his son, Dr. Richard J. Dunglison. The next owner was his step-son, Charles Ferry Fisher, librarian of the Philadelphia College of Physicians. Both Richard Dunglison's widow, Violette Fisher Dunglison and her son, Charles Ferry Fisher, donated Robley Dunglison artifacts to the college. A copy of a 1929 affidavit by Fisher accompanies the lot, as well as a certification on the same page from subsequent owner, noted autograph dealer Charles Hamilton, affirming the authenticity of the lock. The present consignor purchased these hair strands in the early 1980s from dealer Dorothy Harris who, at one time, was married to Hamilton. We include a letter to that effect from the consignor, a 1985 letter from Monticello concerning the hair, as well as reference material mentioning the first Dr. Dunglison. The hair is reddish, strawberry blond in color, consistent with published descriptions of Jefferson's hair color. We cannot locate any past sales for Jefferson hair.





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