A Piece of American History for Auction

Now, you can pick up a rare souvenir from American history. American president, Thomas Jefferson, gave this lovely item to his beloved wife who died at 33. During Americana Week 2010 in New York, Christie’s will be auctioning this classic romantic present, a watch key with a lock of Jefferson’s wife’s hair.

Martha Jefferson’s birth and death dates are engraved on the face of the watch key, while the reverse side features a case where the braided lock of hair can be seen. It is expected sell at a price somewhere between $40,000 and $80,000.

Other items on auction include a scrimshaw whale tooth from a 19th century whaleship that is inscribed with a poem to the sailor’s sweetheart, Amelia. Another item is a silver pitcher that was handmade by Paul Revere. The whale tooth is expected to fetch $30,000 to $50,000, while the pitcher is valued to get at least $200,000 to $300,000.

Via: Luxury Launches