[PHOTOGRAPHY]. [LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865), subject]. [HESLER, Alexander (1823-1895), photographer]. Platinum Print Photograph of a Beardless Lincoln. [Philadelphia, PA: G. B. Ayers, ca. 1881]. Black and white print of Lincoln on card. (?[O-27]") Print mounted on mat and matted. Print approximately 9 ? x 7 ?". Mat size approximately 15 x 11 ?". Print toned, edgeworn, upper corner with visible tear, verso not examined (not examined out of mat). Very good. This photograph was originally taken by Alexander Hesler on June 3, 1860, and prints were sold by him. However, after Lincoln grew his beard, the popularity of this portrait waned; in addition, there was a fire at Hesler's gallery, which destroyed all his negatives of Lincoln, except for this one and one other. ?The original plates were retained by George B. Ayres when he bought and sold the Hesler gallery right after the Civil War. In 1881, Ayres made some fine prints directly from the plates, at the same time producing a duplicate set of glass negatives. In 1933, the original plates were cracked in the mail. The post office paid the claim and presented the broken negatives to the Smithsonian Institution. The duplicate plates are now owned by the Chicago Historical Society." (Ostendorf, p. 49). Of this portrait, Lincoln said: ?That looks better and expresses me better than any I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied." (Ostendorf, p. 47). From the renowned personal collection of Dr. George D. Lacy. Measurements: 16"L x 12"W x 1"H.