Bidspirit auction | Abraham Lincoln 1865 Plaster Life

Abraham Lincoln 1865 Plaster Life Mask - This captivating plaster life mask reproduction replicates the historic 1865 casting of Abraham Lincoln by renowned American sculptor Clark Mills, originally captured just two months prior to the President’s assassination. As a seasoned collector of historical Americana, I find that this piece beautifully retains the profound, weathered facial contours, intense expression, and full beard characteristic of Lincoln’s final months, offering a striking tangible connection to Civil War era history. The flat reverse base features hand-incised markings reading ”Lincoln 1865 / Clark Mills”. Objectively evaluating its condition, the face remains stable and in fairly good condition with no visible cracks or stress fractures across the main features; however, a prominent hairline seam crack is present on the back of the skull, minor casting separations are visible at the lower ear joints, and the white plaster surface shows expected light scuffing, age-related dust, and mild handling discoloration consistent with age. H 7.5”, W 8.75”, D 11.5”. Please see photos for condition. From the Dale Beeks collection.