Description
This is a one of a kind historical auction. This tea kettle and stand was once owned by Abraham Lincoln's oldest son Robert Todd Lincoln. It came from the estate sale of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. He was the last direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln. The sale was conducted by Cannons on November 11 2010. The kettle is hand wrought and of an Asian design of flowers and stalks as is the lamp heater that's underneath. The lid to the teapot is sealed so am not sure it this was always a decorative piece or if it's just stuck. The bottom of the teapot doesn't look like it was used. The stand is of a Victorian wrought-iron with holders for the pot and burner. This typically would be in the finest homes as it would have been an expensive piece back then. There's no listing of when Robert Todd Lincoln or his wife purchased it. It could have been anywhere from 1860 to 1890. The stand is almost 45 inches tall. I am starting this Lincoln teapot off at a reasonable 1600.00. I have seen another one of these but without the Lincoln providence for over 2600.00. Shipping is a flat 100.00 for the lower 48 but may be higher for other states or territories. I will deliver for a small fee within 125 miles. Robert Todd Lincoln(August 1, 1843 July 26, 1926) was an American politician, lawyer, and businessman. The first son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, and the only one to live to adulthood, Robert Lincoln was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Harvard College before serving on the staff of Ulysses S. Grant as a captain in the Union Army in the closing days of theAmerican Civil War. After the war, Lincoln married Mary Eunice Harlan, and they had three children together, two of whom survived to adulthood. Following completion of law school in Chicago, he built a successful law practice, and became wealthy representing corporate clients. Robert Todd Lincoln 35th United States Secretary of War In office March 5, 1881 March 4, 1885 President James Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. Preceded by Alexander Ramsey Succeeded by William EndicottUnited States Minister to the United KingdomIn office May 25, 1889 May 4, 1893 President Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland Preceded by Edward Phelps Succeeded byThomas F. Bayard (Ambassador) Personal details Born Robert Todd Lincoln August 1, 1843 Springfield, Illinois, U.S.DiedJuly 26, 1926(aged82) Manchester, Vermont, U.S.Resting place Arlington National Cemetery Political party Republican. Spouse(s) Mary Harlan(m.1868) Children Mamie Lincoln Isham, Abraham Lincoln II, Jessie Harlan Lincoln Parents Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Education Harvard University(BA) Harvard Law School(attended) Old University of Chicago(attended)Signature Military service Allegiance United States Branch/serviceUnion ArmyYearsof service1865Rank Captain Battles/warsAmerican Civil War Active in Republican politics, and a tangible symbol of his father's legacy, Lincoln was often spoken of as a possible candidate for office, including the presidency, but never took steps to mount a campaign. The one office to which he was elected was town supervisor of South Chicago, which he held from 1876 to 1877; the town later became part of the city of Chicago. Lincoln accepted appointments as secretary of war in the administration ofJames A. Garfield, continuing under Chester A. Arthur, and as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom(with the role then titled as "minister") in the Benjamin Harrison administration. Lincoln served as general counsel of the Pullman Palace Car Company, and after founder George Pullman died in 1897, Lincoln became the company's president. After retiring from this position in 1911, Lincoln served as chairman of the board until 1922. In Lincoln's later years he resided at homes in Washington, D.C.and Manchester, Vermont; the Manchester home, Hildene, was added to the National Register of Historic Placesin 1977. In 1922, he took part in the dedication ceremonies for the Lincoln Memorial. Lincoln died at Hildene on July 26, 1926, six days before his 83rd birthday, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
