Piece of George Washington’s mahogany coffin

Washington, George · ca 1840

When George Washington’s remains were relocated to a new tomb in 1837, his family planned to make souvenirs from the mahogany covering of his lead-lined coffin. Its deteriorated condition made that idea unworkable, however, so they distributed small pieces of the wood. The note on this piece reads, “Washington’s Coffin presented to Mr. Saltonstall by a nephew, + namesake of Washington residing at Mount Vernon.”