This small silver two-piece toothpick holder with rococo designs is accompanied by two calling cards on which are printed: “Mrs. Jefferson Davis, Beauvoir House, Mississippi”. The first example is inked on the reverse: “To the dear old Boy I have loved for so many years and for whose long and prosperous life no one prays for more sincerely than his Devoted Aunt [Varina Davis]. April 4^th, 1893”. The card measures 2 ½” x 3 ½”; it has attached to it a pink silk ribbon which was at one time attached to the toothpick holder as can be seen in the last photo above, from an accompanying letter of authenticity.

The second card is identical except the engraving which has been altered to read, “Miss Jefferson Davis”, and the reverse which is inked: “Upon my heart pray hang your key. Its safety thus assuring my love for you, like silver be Until our death enduring. Winnie. April 4^th. 1893”. The second card has the same pink ribbon, now detached.

Accompanying the lot is a caption card inscribed: “From Geo. E. Pickett Camp C.V. to Col R.C. Wood who served in the field Services C.S.A. from 1861 to 1865”.

This grouping of items descended in the family of Zachary Taylor through his daughter, Ann Mackall Taylor and her husband, Richard Crooke Wood.

The letter of authenticity dated May 21, 2015 is signed by Dorth Patton Blackwell: “I certify that the above lot sold…..on June 13, 2015 was owned by Dr. Robert Crooke Wood (1801-1869) and his wife, Ann Margaret Mackall Taylor (1811-1875), eldest daughter of President Zachary Taylor. It passed from them to their grandson, John Bringier Trist Wood and then to family friend, Dr. John Alexander Kelly, my great-uncle, then to my mother and ultimately to myself.”

The toothpick holder measures 2 3/8” in length including the small loop on the cap; it is in beautiful condition and the cap easily unscrews to reveal a number of toothpicks still contained within.  A lovely personal item with a connection to the wife of the President of the Confederate States of America.  [ph:L]

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