A LITTLE OFF THE TOP FOR HISTORY

By JERRY GUO (For release Sunday, July 13) (ART ADV: Photos NYT 30-33 are being sent to NYT photo clients. Nonsubscribers can purchase one-time rights by calling: 1-888-603-1036 or 1-888-346-9867.) c.2008 New York Times News Service WESTPORT, Conn. -- In the musty back room of the collectibles shop he owns here, stocked with a copy of the Declaration of Independence and Ernest Hemingway's briefcase typewriter, John Reznikoff held up a gold case that contained his most prized possession. Behind the glass, the curly black clumps looked like a worthless old Brillo pad. But Reznikoff, 48, said the $500,000 piece de resistance was something far more precious: a strand of hair from Abraham Lincoln, taken from the 16th president on his deathbed. Reznikoff said the pieces of detritus stuck to the hair, which looked like egg bits... [read full story]