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20-Star American Flag: Circa 1818 Naval Ensign Boat Flag with Provenance and Important Ties to American Frontier History....
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Sold on Apr 26, 2024 for:
$25,000.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
20-Star American Flag: Circa 1818 Naval Ensign Boat Flag with Provenance and Important Ties to American Frontier History. A twenty-star American flag circa 1818, measures 40" x 68" inches. The field of the flag is comprised of thirteen alternating red and white horizontal stripes, the fabric is a loose weave wool bunting, hand stitched. The stars are sewn to the the canton, each star measuring 3" across.Twenty-star flags are extremely uncommon and rarely come to market. This twenty-star example was created with the Flag Act of 1818, which recognized the difficulty of adding a star and stripe for each new state, and instead returned the flag to the original thirteen stripes (representing the thirteen colonies) and twenty stars for the twenty states in the Union at the time. The five newly added stars on this flag recognized officially the entry of the states of Tennessee (1796), Ohio (1803), Louisiana (1812), Indiana (1816), and Mississippi (1817).
Not more than a young boy at the time, George Nicholson of Louisville, Kentucky served valiantly in the War of 1812. Having always been fascinated by steamboats and inspired by the river pilots and privateers who had served during the War of 1812, George was determined to become a riverboat captain. Nicholson achieved his dream in 1834, when at age 22, he was named Captain of the newly christened sidewheel paddle steamer "PS Harkaway". On his first journey piloting the "Harkaway" down the treacherous Tennessee River, George proved himself as a riverboat captain. Often acting on behalf of the U.S. Navy, the "PS Harkaway" was a keel-bottomed conversion and unique sidewheel paddle steamer, she transported munitions, supplies, and passengers down the Tennessee. The "Harkaway" was also the first vessel on the Tennessee to acquire a steam whistle making it substantially safer than its competitors. This dangerous duty would later earn George Nicholson the distinction of having a steamboat named after him. In 1842, Captain Nicholson was transferred to a new ship, he was conferred the "Harkaway's" 20 Star U.S. Naval Ensign flag as a keepsake, the flag offered in this sale. This 20 Star Naval Ensign Boat Flag from his first ship, was passed down through generations of Nicholson's descendants as a symbol of the family's proud American pioneer heritage.
The flag is accompanied by a thoroughly researched 30-page analysis which details the colorful history and chain of custody of the flag dating from its origins in 1818-1819, to the last descendent prior to its acquisition from the great-great grandson of Captain George Nicholson.
Condition: Given its age and the expected resulting wear from usage the flag is in good condition apart from the top of the header, where it has become disconnected by a few inches from the hoist. Wind-whipped wisps appear near corners, as do scattered tears and fine tatter commensurate with age and weathered use. Having flown on a riverboat for many years, the Nicholson 20-Star Flag is in many respects better than other surviving flags of similar vintage.
Provenance: Acquired in 2023 from Curtiss Belcher, Jr., last in line to inherit the flag passed down through generations from the Estate of "PS Harkaway" Captain George Nicholson.
Auction Info
2024 April 26 - 27 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6286 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2024
26th-27th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,041
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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