Composer Ludwig van Beethoven Three Hair Strands, Likely Collected After His Death

Three strands of hair belonging to pianist and composer Ludwig van Beethoven, the longest measuring approximately 0.875” in length. The hair is framed in a small gold locket, strung onto a gold-filled chain. The hair strands are dark brown in color and were probably clipped the morning after his death in 1827. The gold locket measures 1.5" in diameter. The hair was originally housed in a carved dark wood frame, along with a lock of Niccolo Paganini's hair. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. John Reznikoff Hair Collection is certified as the Largest Hair Collection in Guinness Book of World Records 2014. The hair was purchased from an antique dealer and auctioneer in Massachusetts, who confirmed that it was obtained from a well-known musician's family residing in Rhode Island.

Stories of the provenance of other Beethoven locks vary, but one of the most interesting tales belongs to a lock acquired by Ira Brilliant at auction in 1994 at Sotheby's London office. Brilliant was able to trace his lock back to Ferdinand Hiller, a 15 year-old music student who accompanied his teacher to Beethoven's home on the day after his death. Ferdinand became a composer and conductor himself, and kept the locket until 1883, when he gave the hair to his son as a 30th birthday present. After his son's death, the hair was passed onto one of this three sons, who in turn, passed the lock of hair to Dr. Kay Alexander Fremming. It is believed that Fremming, who practiced medicine in Denmark, was involved in an underground movement to transport Jewish citizens safely into Sweden during World War II. Fremming appears to have received the hair either as payment or as a token of gratitude for his assistance. We believe, though our own investigations, that the Rhode Island family acquired this hair at about the same time as Ira Brilliant. The journey it took out of Germany may perhaps be just as fascinating.

It was customary at the time of Beethoven's death to collect a lock of a loved one's hair to keep as a tangible reminder after their passing. Although it is unknown how many locks of hair were originally taken, it has been ascertained that, at present, only a few remain in private collections.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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