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Casts of Lincoln’s hands


These original plaster casts of Lincoln’s hands were taken by Leonard Volk on May 20, 1860, two days after the Republican Party nominated the former Illinois congressman as its presidential candidate. Lincoln’s right hand was still swollen from shaking hands with congratulating supporters. To steady his hand, he held a piece of a broom handle, which is preserved in the artist’s cast.



Division of Social History, Political History
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Behring Center
Gift of thirty-three subscribers

 

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