You could own a lock of hair from one of the most significant figures in American political history.
John Adams, second ever US president, first US Vice President, an author of the Declaration of Independence is amongst the most important of the Founding Fathers.
UK collectibles specialists Paul Fraser Collectibles are selling a lock of his hair, collected on his death bed, through their website now.
The note explains the story of the lock of President Adams’ hair, taken in 1826. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Chairman, Paul Fraser says: “This 200-year-old artefact is nothing short of a national treasure.
It’s surprising that it isn’t hidden away behind bullet-proof glass in a museum.
“It’s one of the finest pieces of American history it has ever been my privilege to handle. And it’s believed to be the only full lock of its kind in private hands.”
The unique item was snipped from the great man’s head after he died in July 1826. It is around 3.5 inches long and attached with wax to a sheet of paper bearing a note: “Presented me by Elizabeth Adams, Quincy, President Adams hair, Quincy.”
The piece was a gift to a Civil War soldier in the Union Army, George F. Noyes, who came from Portland, Maine.
Adams defended British soldiers accused in the Boston Massacre of 1770. A proud independence fighter, he was dedicated also to the principles of justice.
Elizabeth Adams, who gave it to him, was the granddaughter of John Adams, and was by his side as he passed away.
It remained in the Noyes family, undiscovered, for generations.
Locks of hair have been popular personal and historical relics for centuries.
And, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026 – with an extremely volatile and personality driven current political scene – collectors are buying US political memorabilia at unprecendented prices.
Paul Fraser adds: “Today the market for American political memorabilia is one of the strongest in all of collecting, and it’s been growing consistently for decades.
“In 2014 a John Adams handwritten letter to fellow Founding Father Elbridge Gerry sold at auction for $46,875.
“And in 2022 the same letter sold again – this time for $106,250.
“Its value increased by 128% – that’s $59,375 – in just eight years.”
Mr Fraser is confident he will find a buyer for the lock at £12,000, and is urging buyers to move quickly if they want to secure this memento of one of the foremost Americans in history.
The John Adams lock of hair is for sale on the Paul Fraser Collectibles website now.
