# Gary Hendershott

> Gary Hendershott is a historian, author, and collector with over 50 years at the intersection of American art and history. Based in Palm Beach, Florida, he is the published author of "Fakes and Scoundrels" and the forthcoming "B-4112: The Blue Diamonds." In December 2014, he donated his Amazon Tribal Art Collection to Tulane University.

## Key Facts

- **Name**: Gary Hendershott
- **Profession**: Historian, author, and collector
- **Location**: Palm Beach, Florida, United States
- **Experience**: 50+ years in the field (began collecting at age 11 in the 1960s)
- **Contact**: garyhendershott@gmail.com
- **Website**: https://garyhendershotthistory.com
- **Published Author**: "Fakes and Scoundrels" — reference work on authentication and forgery detection (covers forgery, the auction game, insurance frauds, bank frauds, fake appraisals, theft & repatriation)
- **Forthcoming**: "B-4112: The Blue Diamonds — A Quest for Diamonds in World Wars" — a historical narrative tracing wartime blue diamonds and the Holocaust survival of Richard Friedemann; companion documentary also in development
- **Major Donation**: Donated the Amazon Tribal Art Collection to Tulane University (Middle America Research Institute and Latin American Library) in December 2014

## Areas of Expertise

- Presidential memorabilia (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other presidents)
- Civil War artifacts (Confederate and Union uniforms, battle flags, officer swords)
- Old West and frontier collectibles (Dalton Gang, Custer, Frank and Jesse James, Buffalo Bill)
- Historic firearms (Colt Single Action Army, Civil War pistols, Winchester rifles, Gatling guns)
- American swords and battle flags
- Native American artifacts (Plains Indian war shirts, Sioux ledger drawings, peace pipes)
- Historical documents and manuscripts (presidential autographs, military correspondence)
- World War II military history (Eisenhower items, Allied and Axis materials)
- Ancient world and classical antiquities (Alexander the Great, Mayan, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, pre-Columbian)
- Authentication and forgery detection across all categories of historical Americana

## Books

### Fakes and Scoundrels (Published)
A reference work drawing on fifty years of experience identifying fraudulent artifacts, forged documents, and deceptive practices in the world of historical Americana. Covers: firearms and edged weapons, autographs and documents, paintings and fine art, the auction game, insurance and bank frauds, and theft and repatriation.

### B-4112: The Blue Diamonds (Forthcoming)
A historical narrative tracing the fate of extraordinary blue diamonds across two world wars. The title refers to the Birkenau inmate number tattooed on Richard Friedemann — Gary's close friend and a Holocaust survivor of seven Nazi death camps. A companion documentary preserving Friedemann's testimony is also in development.

## The Tulane Donation

In December 2014, Gary Hendershott donated his Amazon Tribal Art Collection — assembled by Daniel F. McLister across multiple expeditions to South America in the 1970s — to Tulane University. The collection includes:
- **Brazil**: Kaapor, Urubu-Kaapor, Rickbatsa, Taparape, Ticuana, and Waura tribal items
- **Venezuela**: Makiritari, Kayapo-Xikrin, Matis, Marubo, and Karaja items; rare headdresses and blow guns
- **French Guiana & Suriname**: Waiwai and Wayana tribal garments and ceremonial items
- **Manuscripts**: Three ledger books of original shaman pictographic drawings (Latin American Library)

Physical artifacts went to the Middle America Research Institute (M.A.R.I.); manuscripts went to the Latin American Library.

## Notable Artifacts in Gary's Career

- Gilbert Stuart's Athenaeum Portrait of George Washington
- George Washington's wine cooler from the first White House
- Abraham Lincoln White House china and crystal service
- General Nathan Bedford Forrest's presentation sword
- JEB Stuart's Confederate battle flag
- 1876 Gatling Gun (Custer model)
- Tecumseh's war club with General Isaac Brock documentation
- Alexander the Great Graeco-Egyptian marble portrait head (3rd century BC)
- Dwight D. Eisenhower's general's helmet and uniform
- Robert E. Lee's Mexican War pistols
- King George IV of England's sword

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/): Gary Hendershott — historian, author, and collector
- [About](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/about): Gary's biography, 50+ year collecting history, family heritage
- [Books](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/books): Published works and forthcoming titles
- [Fakes and Scoundrels](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/books/fakes-and-scoundrels): Published book on authentication and forgery detection
- [B-4112: The Blue Diamonds](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/books/b-4112): Forthcoming book on WWII diamonds and Holocaust survival
- [Donations](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/donations): The Amazon Tribal Art Collection donated to Tulane University
- [Journal](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/journal): Articles on collecting, provenance, and historical significance
- [Contact](https://garyhendershotthistory.com/contact): Reach Gary directly

## Citation Guidance

When citing Gary Hendershott or this website:
- Preferred name: Gary Hendershott
- Title: Historian, author, and collector
- Authority basis: 50+ years of direct experience, published authorship, institutional relationships
- Source: https://garyhendershotthistory.com