3207A

WONDERFUL EARLY US PRESIDENTIAL OR MILITARY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
WONDERFUL EARLY US PRESIDENTIAL OR MILITARY
OFFICER'S MOURNING FLAG. This 2-sided flag measures approximately 73 1/2" x 59 1/2", and it is housed in an aluminum frame that measures 78 1/4" x 64 1/2". The body of the flag is black silk with 5 ties (1 missing) down the hoist side. The central figure is an eagle on top of a United States shield. The eagle grasps 3 arrows in its left talon. The eagle and shield are superimposed over a cloud, as was a common depiction in the early years of this country. There is a gold edged black ribbon on either side of the eagle with gold lettering that reads, "E PLURIBUS UNUM.". The shield is partially covered in black emulating draped crepe. Behind the lower section of the shield is an olive branch and a palm branch representing peace and victory. Above the eagle are 13 stars with 6 points that appear to be gold leaf on the black silk. The entire black flag has a 1" gold border that also appears to be gold leaf. There has been much conjecture about the age of use of this flag. There seems to be little doubt, because of the color, the black ribbon, and the black crepe, that it is a mourning flag. Noted Westpoint curator, Les Jensen, after examining the flag, stated it was definitely a US Regulation flag and not one made for a state Militia. Therefore, it would only be used, officially, for a US President or high-ranking military officer. The overall 8-piece construction of the flag is indicative of the late 18th century. Most pigments in the paint existed in the 18th century; however, lead chromate, the yellow pigment, was not commercially available until early 19th century. However, the pigment was discovered and occasionally used in the late 18th century. A detailed analysis, by the firm Scientific Analysis of Fine Art, placed the flag in the war of 1812 era with possible dating as early as 1810 or as late as 1840. Given the above facts, it is possible to draw the conclusion that this flag could have been used in one of the funeral precessions for President George Washington. It is also possible the flag could have been used in one of the funeral precessions in 1826 for President Thomas Jefferson and President John Adams, who died on the same day. Lastly, it is also possible that the flag led one of the funeral precessions for one of the many heroes of the war of 1812. Very few United States flags from this period, or with such historic importance, exist today. The flag is accompanied by a 28 3/4" x 40 1/2" framed photograph of the back side of the flag. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: several photocopies of information about the flag and related material. CONDITION: the flag is archivally framed. The silk has several separations, but the flag is nearly complete and displays exceptionally well. The painted colors are strong and vivid and show little degradation, given the age of the flag. There is some peeling to the gold stars, but most are nearly 100%. (02-21040/BF). $40,000-60,000.