Antique Abraham Lincoln Memorial Die Cut Patriotic Portrait c1865 #1469

Antique Abraham Lincoln patriotic memorial die-cut portrait, an unusual piece of 19th-century Lincolniana measuring approximately 1 3/4” x 2”. The front features a detailed portrait of President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by a red, white and blue oval border and topped with a separately constructed folded patriotic paper bow/ribbon. The blue, red and cream coloring remains attractive and the Lincoln portrait displays very well for its age. The reverse is particularly interesting. An old applied paper label reads: “BORN FEB. 12, 1809 DIED APR. 15, 1865 Set at Liberty Thousands of Slaves” The Lincoln information is printed on a separate rectangular paper label that has been adhered to the reverse. It has been left completely undisturbed. Visible beneath and around this applied label are portions of the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” including text corresponding to the lesser-known third and fourth verses. Additional patriotic imagery, including stars, is visible near the bottom. This patriotic backing adds an especially interesting historical element to the piece. Based on its construction, printing style, paper, patriotic imagery and subject matter, this appears consistent with 19th-century Lincoln memorial/patriotic ephemera, likely dating from the post-Civil War period. An exact publisher or date has not been identified, so it is being conservatively described as circa 1865–1876 rather than assigned a specific year. The piece exhibits expected signs of age, including toning, minor surface and edge wear, and handling consistent with antique paper ephemera. Remarkably, the delicate folded red, white and blue bow remains attached. No attempt has been made to remove the old label, unfold the bow, clean or otherwise alter the piece. Size: Approximately 1 3/4” x 2” An unusual and visually appealing piece of Abraham Lincoln, Civil War, emancipation and American patriotic memorabilia that would make an excellent addition to a Lincolniana or presidential collection. Please examine all photographs carefully. They are an important part of the description and show the exact item, construction and condition being offered. Sold as found.