Commemorative

Object number1835

Date1732-1799

MediumHuman hair; Paper; Wood

Credit LineGift of Thomas Mellon Estate

DescriptionFramed lock of hair.Dimensions6.375 x 5 in. (16.2 x 12.7 cm)
InscriptionsAbove the hair on a separate sheet of paper is purported signature "George Washington"; below the lock of hair is handwritten text "George Washington's Hair / with Envelope that held it."
Historical NotesPurported to be from George Washington. Label TextIn the eighteenth century a lock of hair was a treasured keepsake from a friend or family member. A lock from George Washington would be ever more so. But is it real? The Allegheny County (PA) Coroner's Office examined a strand of hair from this sample. Here's what they found under the microscope: The sample was cut, not plucked out, so no basal cells were present. Without basal cells, no DNA tests could be conducted. Microscopic analysis revealed the hair was human, Caucasian, and deep red in color. The distal end was cut by scissors, the proximal end uneven, probably the result of insect damage. The strand is smooth indicating it was cleaned without any signs of artificial dyes or bleaches, nor any oil, grease, or powder. It was not possible to determine the age or gender of its owner, nor how old the sample is.

Related person George Washington (American, 1732 - 1799)

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