Freeman’s | Hindman unveils stunning Abraham Lincoln auction: Bloodstained gloves, family heirlooms and more

This spring, history lovers, collectors and dreamers alike are turning their eyes to an extraordinary event: Freeman’s | Hindman’s Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln auction, offering an unprecedented chance to own a piece of American history.

On Wednesday, May 21, over 100 rare artifacts tied to Abraham Lincoln, his family and his times will be auctioned to the public — many of them for the first time in decades. The collection, deaccessioned from the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, includes stunningly personal relics from Lincoln’s private and political life, with a historical richness that is unmatched.

Among the most talked-about items is a pair of Lincoln’s bloodstained gloves, worn the night of his assassination at Ford’s Theatre. These haunting remnants — still bearing visible stains — serve as chilling witnesses to one of the most tragic nights in American history. Their presence in the sale has captured international attention, with experts hailing them as among the most emotionally powerful Lincoln artifacts ever to come to market.

Also hitting the auction block are Lincoln’s early legal notes, handwritten documents that reveal the growth of a young, ambitious attorney who would one day lead a nation through its darkest hour. There are family photographs, letters to political allies, and even locks of Lincoln’s hair, artifacts that bridge the gap between myth and man.

What makes this auction particularly special is the impeccable provenance. Many pieces come directly from the holdings of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. As the Foundation shifts focus toward supporting education and preservation programs, it made the difficult decision to part with certain duplicate or non-core items — a rare and strategic move that gives collectors an unprecedented opportunity.

“Lincoln's story is America's story,” said a Foundation representative. “We’re thrilled these treasures will find new stewards who will appreciate and preserve their significance for generations to come.”

Other notable lots include an 1865 mourning ribbon bearing Lincoln’s portrait, White House crystal drinking glasses and an 1860 campaign lantern- a patriotic relic from the election that would change America forever. 

With pre-sale estimates ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars, the auction is expected to draw intense competition from museums, private collectors and Lincoln enthusiasts around the world.

How to Bid in the Auction

The auction will take place on May 21, 2025. Interested bidders can participate in the live auction online or in person. To bid, follow these steps:

1. Register for the auction by visiting Hindman Auctions to create an account.

2. View the full catalog of items available for bid and explore detailed descriptions, including historical significance and provenance of each artifact.

3. If you’re attending in person, make sure to RSVP for the event.

4. Place your bid online or by phone with one of Hindman’s auction specialists, who will assist you throughout the bidding process.

Public previews are being held in Chicago and New York, giving collectors the rare chance to view these items up close before the auction begins. For those unable to attend, live streaming of the event will be available, so bidders can participate from anywhere.