LOT #42045 |
Sold on Jul 8, 2023 for: Not Sold
Dwight D. Eisenhower 49-Star Oval Office U.S. Flag with Companion Presidential Flag and Presidential Podium Seal.... (Total: 2 Items)
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Description
The Only 49-Star Presidential Oval Office Flag Ever Made
Dwight D. Eisenhower 49-Star Oval Office U.S. Flag with
Companion Presidential Flag and Presidential Podium Seal. Two
Oval Office flags and a fiberglass podium Presidential seal. Each
flag features 49 stars, with the stars on the Presidential flag
encircling a displayed eagle holding a banner in its beak reading,
"E Pluribus Unum". The United States flag measures 56.5 x
69.5 inches, including the 2.5-inch wide yellow braided fringe. The
Presidential flag measures 56 x 69 inches, including the 2.5-inch
wide gold and silver bullion fringe. The Presidential flag has a
label from the US Army Quartermaster Depot in Philadelphia with a
hand inked notation, "2-18-7 Job 7058". Accompanied by a
multi-colored 15.5-inch fiberglass podium Presidential Seal,
hand-painted, with detailed features molded in high relief.The presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower had the unique distinction of having three different National flags displayed under his administration. The 48, 49, and 50-star flags were each employed during his time in the White House. The 49-star flag became the official National flag after the admission of Alaska, and the 50th star was added when Hawaii became a State on August 21, 1959. The State of Alaska was admitted to the Union when Congress approved the act on July 7,1958, and after a majority vote by the people of Alaska approved the proposition to become part of the Union in an election held on August 26, 1958. Eisenhower signed the proclamation admitting Alaska as the 49th State in the Union on January 3, 1959. The 49-Star flag then became the official flag of the United States on July 4, 1959. A copy of the proclamation titled, "The White House Admission Of The State of Alaska Into The Union By The President Of The United States of America" is included with this lot, as is a copy of "The White House Executive Order 10798 Flag Of The United States" detailing the criteria for the new 49-Star National flag.
The 49-star Presidential flag offered in this auction is one of only three Oval Office flags in private hands, the others being the 48-star and Kennedy's flag. This 49-star Presidential flag was the only one made and was only used for one year. Its place in American history cannot be overstated, nor can the importance of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire this incredibly historic symbol of our national heritage. These intricate hand-embroidered silk flags are a work of art and a national treasure.
The Flags were featured in several exhibits throughout the country at various museums and institutions. They were displayed at the House of Flags Museum in Columbus, NC in October 2012, and at the North American Vexillology Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah in October 2013. In June 2018 the flags were taken to the Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia to benefit the "flag ladies" who hand-embroider the Presidential and Vice-Presidential flags, so they could enjoy and appreciate these amazing pieces. The flags were also exhibited along with the 50-Star Oval Office flag, which was on loan to both the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and the US Army Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee, Virginia for archival research.
Condition: Minor wear and stains, a few negligible holes, minor pulls and fraying. The flags were securely stored by the consignor in a special vault with strict temperature and humidity controls to protect the silk fabric. The vibrant colors remain stunning and unfaded, the silk material is supple with brilliant sheen. Only a minor hint of lightly yellowed fabric appears at small and localized places on the white stripes of the companion Stars and Stripes flag to suggest their 64-year age. A few small scuffs to the Presidential Seal. All fine.
Provenance: These flags has been authenticated by Luther Hanson, the former curator of the Quartermaster Museum in Ft. Lee. The three items offered in this lot were originally procured by the consignor's father, Ludwell B. Pruett, Jr., who was a Quartermaster Supply Officer in the office of the Quartermaster General from October 1950 to August 1953, and then served at the Headquarters Office of the Chief Quartermaster, U.S. Army Europe. In 1958, he became a Supply Distribution Officer, tasked with making sure that flags were received when requested. He was responsible for flags delivered to U.S. military bases, requests from Federal institutions like the Smithsonian, and requests from U.S. Territories who asked for flags as needed. When the new 49-star presidential flag was replacing the 48-star flag, he knew the 48-star would be designated for disposal, so he asked for it, and it was given to him. When the 50-star flag replaced the 49-star, he once again asked for that flag, and it was given to him. He knew the historical significance of the change from the 48 to the 49-star flag, and that it must be preserved. He also collected a 49-star Presidential Seal that is offered as an accessory in this sale.
Auction Info
2023 July 8 Historical Platinum Signature® Auction #6275 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2023
8th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 892
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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