LOT #57229 |
Sold on Jun 25, 2009 for: Not Sold
Stunning Painted Silk Presentation Flag to the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. ... (Total: 4 Items)
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
The 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry's Walter S. Newhall Memorial Flag.
Stunning Painted Silk Presentation Flag to the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. This beautifully rendered banner was carried in battle by one of the Army of the Potomac's hardest fighting cavalry units from its presentation in December 1863 to the close of the war. Measuring 54" x 59" overall, it is the work of an unknown but consummate artisan, featuring a superbly rendered Great Seal of the State of Pennsylvania on the displayed side of this historic and attractive treasure. The dark blue silk background retains essentially all of its one inch yellow fringe. The state's colorful seal is meticulously enclosed by a gold scrolled foliate border that incorporates two flowing ribands at top and bottom on which dedications are made. The upper banner reads "In Memory Of Captain Walter S. Newhall" while the lower one is "To The Third Pennsyla. Cavalry, Dec: 1863". The painted design dominates the piece at 42" high and 38" wide. The eye catching flag shows the expected deterioration found on such colors with considerable loss and separation to the blue field, more heavily at the fly edge and very little at the pole area. It has recently been professionally framed and in the early 20th century was affixed to a more stable matrix and numerous tiny stitches are visible as a result. There is also stitching to reinforce some cracking to the painted surface itself, which may have been done contemporary to the use of the banner in the field. Some fading has also occurred over the years as well, especially evident in the background. Color variations between these elements hint that different batches of silk and/or dyes may have been used. Given the meager survival rate of such impressive but delicate silk standards, it is remarkable that this example has lasted in such complete condition. It remains an impressive and exceedingly rare testimony to a city's esteem for a heroic unit.In late December 1863, Philadelphia politician Clement Barclay traveled to Virginia on behalf of the city's well-wishers and presented this battle flag to the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry then encamped near Warrenton. The regiment carried this standard for the rest of the war, raising it over the Wilderness, Petersburg, and Appomattox. At war's end, the flag was retired and given to Captain Newhall's family, who would maintain custody of the relic into the 21st century. When first made, the reference to Captain Newhall was absent and it was likely intended as a token of thanks to a local Philadelphia cavalry unit for its part in stopping the rebels at Gettysburg. The original upper banner read "Presented By The Grateful Citizens Of Philadelphia" but was altered after Newhall was tragically killed on December 18, 1863.
Walter Symons Newhall (1841-1863) was born in Philadelphia and raised in adjacent Germantown. A gifted athlete, Newhall began preparing himself for military service early in 1861. Securing a 2nd Lieutenant's commission, the young Pennsylvanian soon found himself in Missouri serving directly under General John Fremont, renowned explorer and first presidential candidate of the Republican Party. Newhall saw some combat under Fremont in Missouri, was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and managed to find a place in the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry by January, 1862. The Peninsular Campaign that opened with the spring offered Newhall a chance to prove his abilities. He successfully rode as a courier and became an aide to General Heintzelman. A promotion to captain followed on June 23. Although the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry participated in the Army of the Potomac's major engagements throughout 1862 and early 1863, Newhall's grand "moment" came at Gettysburg on the second day. Rushing to assist George Armstrong Custer's 1st Michigan Cavalry, Newhall attacked Wade Hampton's cavalry and was severely wounded in the process by color bearer William Harrison of the 13th Virginia Cavalry. The Pennsylvanian's brave attempt to capture a Confederate flag, although unsuccessful, made him a hero to the men of his regiment and to the folks back home.
Captain Newhall's wounds healed after some three months, and he began the journey north for Christmas with his family. On December 18, while en route to Pennsylvania, Newhall's horse slipped while crossing an icy tributary feeding the Rappahanock River. Newhall sadly drowned in the accident, being pinned underwater beneath his fallen horse. After two years of gallant frontline service with the 3rd Pennsylvania, culminating in heroism at Gettysburg, Newhall was deeply mourned by all. The new regimental flag, yet to be presented, was quickly altered to bear Newhall's name and thus serve as an inspiration to those who would fight on to ensure the Union's ultimate victory.
Included with the flag are two highly important associated books as follows: Walter S. Newhall. A Memoir, various editors, (Philadelphia: C. Sherman & Son, 1864), 140 pages, 8vo (6" x 8.5"), card covers. This life of Newhall was published at the request of the Philadelphia Sanitary Commission. The narrative is largely drawn from his own letters. A front free endpaper is inscribed by the deceased's brother, Captain Frederick Newhall, "To Miss Charlotte G. Emery. With kind regards. F. Newhall Philad. Mar. 26th 1864.". Covers worn with loose spine, mild internal foxing. Good condition. The second book is History of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry compiled by the Regimental History Committee, (Philadelphia: Franklin Printing Company, 1905), 614 pp., 4to (7" x 10"), blue card covers. This detailed regimental history contains a full page photograph of the Newhall Memorial Flag offered here. Two library plates on inside front cover, internally fine, covers worn. Very good condition.
Auction Info
2009 June Signature Civil War Auction #6024 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2009
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,230
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
This item cannot be shipped using standard methods. Please contact us for more information. Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
This item cannot be shipped using standard methods. Please contact us for more information. Sales Tax information
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms