Treasures from the American Civil War Spotlighted in Heritage Auction!

June 4, 2007 Americana Treasures from the American Civil War Spotlighted in Heritage Auction!

Dallas, TX: "This is going to be the biggest thing in Civil War history since Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court House," said Dennis Lowe, Director of Civil War auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. More than 600 vintage weapons, flags, artwork, personal items and Civil War-related autographs will be offered in Heritage's Civil War auction in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, June 24, 2007.

"We've spent months assembling our latest auction," said Lowe, "which includes many items that have been held for years in legendary private collections. Now, the collecting public will have an opportunity to add these wonderful pieces of American history to their own collections."

"Probably the most important piece in the auction," Lowe said, "is the personal battle flag of General George Armstrong Custer, a swallowtail red and blue silk banner hand-sewn for him by his wife, Elizabeth during the final days of the Civil War and delivered to him in the midst of battle at Dinwiddle Court House near Petersburg, Virginia on March 31, 1865. Custer kept this flag by his side for the rest of his life, and, indeed, it was with him during the Confederate surrender on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Fortunately for posterity, the flag was left at Custer's headquarters at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota in 1876 as Custer and his men rode into the pages of history at the battle of Little Bighorn."

"An outstanding collection of both Union and Confederate blades is highlighted by the gold, silver and diamond sword belonging to General Ulysses S. Grant," Lowe said. "Hailing from The Tharpe Collection of American Military History, this sword was presented to the future 18th president of the United States by the citizens of Kentucky, who gave this token of their esteem to General Grant upon his promotion to 'General-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States' in 1864, a major turning point in the Civil War, as Grant was elevated to a level of command that only George Washington had achieved before him. This magnificent example of the swordmaker's art features Grant's monogram set in 26 mine cut diamonds, a large amethyst set in a golden sunburst, and a silver grip in the form of the Goddess Victory. Not surprisingly, Grant treasured this sword throughout his life as a symbol of all he had achieved for the future of the United States."

"In addition to the Custer flag, this auction features a stunning collection of important banners from both sides of the conflict," Lowe said. "The Bonnie Blue Flag of Texas, renowned in song and story, is here, as is a beautiful flag flown by Mosby's Rangers. One of the most striking flags is the Confederate 'Liberty or Death' banner, captured by Custer's cavalry from General J.E.B. Stuart's Cavalry during the retreat after the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Formerly exhibited at the Liberty Heritage Society Museum in Warrenton, Virginia, this bold red and white flag, with 13 white stars on a blue field in the upper left and the words 'Liberty or Death' in red on a white background between two bold swaths of red, was captured by William Goodman, part of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, whose life would soon come to an end in the infamous Andersonville prison."

"Another striking piece in this auction is Thomas Buchanan Read's famous portrait of Major General Philip Sheridan, Sheridan's Ride from Winchester," said Lowe. "Shown atop a black stallion, charging into the fray at the Battle of Winchester, Sheridan is the very picture of Union gallantry and bravery. This noble portrait is a true masterpiece that perfectly captures the spirit of this renowned Civil War hero. In addition, Sheridan's sword, perhaps the very sword pictured in Read's painting, will be offered as well."

"This auction is also deep in Civil War uniforms and accessories," said Lowe, "including a very rare Confederate colonel's frock coat belonging to Colonel John Thompson Brown of the 1st Virginia Artillery, who was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness, a Confederate Louisiana 'Washington Artillery' Officer's Artillery Kepi, a Confederate lieutenant general's 'battle flag' sword belt set, similar to that worn by General John Bell Hood, and a magnificent Zouave uniform, complete with all accoutrements and in exceptional condition."

"One of the things that most people think of when they consider the Civil War are the massive cannons that dominated the battle field," said Lowe, "and we're proud to present an impressive selection of these big guns. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring is a great experimental six pounder, one of only eight made in 1838 by Cyrus Alger, and cast from iron instead of the customary bronze. A beautiful piece, worthy of an honored display place, this gun is on a carriage in good mechanical condition and is a wonderful and historical museum piece. Indeed, this gun was used to fire the first shot of the Civil War Centennial celebration in 1961."

"Of course, all of this barely scratches the surface of this incredible auction," said Lowe. "I haven't even mentioned the treasure trove of autographs, such as the lovely post-war portrait photo signed by Robert E. Lee, or the J.E.B. Stuart autograph letter signed to Henry A. Wise, the Governor of Virginia. There's also an exceptional assortment of vintage photography being offered as well as material focused on Generals Grant and Mahone. I'd invite anyone interested in learning more about this auction to visit our website at www.HA.com, where they can see full-color, enlargeable images of each lot in the auction, read our complete and informative catalog descriptions, and even place their bids online."

Heritage Auction Galleries' upcoming Civil War Signature auction will be held on June 24, 2007 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel in Gettysburg, PA.

General George Armstrong Custer's Personal Battle Flag:
ESTIMATE: $1,800,000 - $2,200,000

General Ulysses S. Grant Presentation Sword:
ESTIMATE: $2,000,000 - $2,500,000

Rare Texas Confederate "Bonnie Blue" Flag of the 3rd Texas State Cavalry:
ESTIMATE: $80,000 - $120,000

Captain Frederick W. Smith 2nd National Confederate - Mosby's Ranger's Flag With Archive:
ESTIMATE: $80,000 - $120,000

Confederate "Liberty or Death" Flag Captured by Custer's Cavalry from Stuart's Cavalry During the Retreat after the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863:
ESTIMATE: $80,000 - $120,000

The Famous Painting of Major General Philip Sheridan by Thomas Buchanan Read (1822-1872) Sheridan's Ride From Winchester:
ESTIMATE: $200,000 - $300,000

The Sword of General Philip Sheridan Presented to Thomas Donaldson, of The Smithsonian Institution:
ESTIMATE: $80,000 - $120,000

A Very Rare Confederate Colonel's Frock Coat - Colonel John Thompson Brown, 1st Virginia Artillery, killed at the Battle of the Wilderness:
ESTIMATE: $90,000 - $120,000

Confederate Louisiana "Washington Artillery" Officer's Artillery Kepi:
ESTIMATE: $30,000 - $35,000

Confederate General's Battle Flag Sword Belt Set Similar to General Hood's:
ESTIMATE: $80,000 - $90,000

A Spectacular Civil War Zouave Complete Uniform (and Accoutrements) - The Uniform of W. Beriah Chandler, Battle of Gettysburg, Little Round Top:
ESTIMATE: $120,000 - $160,000

An 'Experimental' Iron Six Pounder Cannon, One of Eight Made:
ESTIMATE: $80,000 - $120,000

Superb Post-War Portrait of Robert E. Lee Signed, "R E Lee", oval albumen print, 6" x 8.25", framed to an overall 11.75" x 13.5".:
ESTIMATE: $12,000 - $15,000

J.E.B. Stuart Autograph Letter Signed To Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia, 3 pages, 7.75" x 9.75", Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, March 23, 1857:
ESTIMATE: $10,000 - $15,000

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of political memorabilia, Americana, and related collectibles are invited to visit www.HA.com/Sell. Or simply email Dennis Lowe at DennisL@HA.com or call 1-800-872-6467, ext. 182.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Client Services at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 150, or visit www.HA.com/Catalog.