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Your absentee bid for Lot 013 - Antique Victorian Memento Mori Hair Keepsake With Handwritten Poem And Coffin Drawing, Bear Creek, Wisconsin, Circa 1880s, 14-3/8" x 11-1/4" was successfully submitted—thank you for bidding with us!
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Lot 013 - Antique Victorian Memento Mori Hair Keepsake With Handwritten Poem And Coffin Drawing, Bear Creek, Wisconsin, Circa 1880s, 14-3/8" x 11-1/4"
Lot 013 - Antique Victorian Memento Mori Hair Keepsake With Handwritten Poem And Coffin Drawing, Bear Creek, Wisconsin, Circa 1880s, 14-3/8" x 11-1/4"
Lot 013 - Antique Victorian Memento Mori Hair Keepsake With Handwritten Poem And Coffin Drawing, Bear Creek, Wisconsin, Circa 1880s, 14-3/8" x 11-1/4"
Antique Victorian hair keepsake consisting of a lock of hair affixed to a handwritten manuscript fragment, likely removed from an autograph or friendship album. The hair is tied and mounted directly to the paper. Beneath the hair, a small coffin is drawn in pencil, visible upon close inspection.
The manuscript is inscribed “Bear Creek Wis.” with a date in the 1880s; the final numeral of the year is obscured by a fold in the paper. The poem reads:
“Friend Mary
Fall from a high high mountain
Fall from the sky above
Fall down stairs and break your neck
But never fall in love
Yours truly”
The keepsake is housed in an antique gilt wood frame, but the frame is not original to the piece. The framing itself is modern, as received.
Condition shows toning, edge wear, and light surface marks to the paper consistent with age and handling. The hair remains intact. The frame shows surface wear and losses to the gilt consistent with age.
Auction Date: 01/08/2026
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