Rare Lincoln artifacts auctioned for nearly $8 million to reduce foundation debt

CHICAGO (WGN) — A treasure trove of historic artifacts and memorabilia is being auctioned off in the Land of Lincoln. 

Auctioneers expected some of President Abraham Lincoln’s artifacts to fetch a million dollars or more, and Wednesday’s auction generated close to $8 million for the financially troubled Lincoln Presidential Foundation.

The blood-stained gloves President Abraham Lincoln wore the night of his assassination were auctioned off in Chicago for over $1.5 million in one of many highly unusual public offerings.

The rare opportunity to own a piece of history comes as the Lincoln Presidential Foundation auctions off nearly 10% of their 1,540 Lincoln times to reduce debt.

“It’s one of the most important presidential sales in the history of live auctions,” said Christopher Brink, with Freeman’s Hindman Auctions.

All told, the auction presented about 144 historical items telling the story of Abraham Lincoln, of which 136 were sold.

Founded in 2000, the Lincoln Presidential Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to lead and support efforts to share the story of Abraham Lincoln’s life, legacy, and leadership with the world.