LOT #57112 |
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Wonderful "Liberty Or Death" Confederate Flag with Custer Capture History. ...
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Sold on Jun 25, 2009 for:
$44,812.50
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
Wonderful "Liberty Or Death" Confederate Flag with Custer Capture History. This magnificent Confederate banner is one of the most visually appealing examples of a first national flag ever to appear on the collector's market. Measuring 34 3/8" on the hoist by 53" on the fly, the piece is exceedingly displayable and has an especially charming "homespun" aura to it that is set off by the defiant declaration emblazoned prominently to its center. Constructed entirely of cotton, the flag consists of three wide stripes with the uppermost red stripe measuring 11" wide, the white center stripe 9¾" and the bottom red stripe 12¼". A medium blue canton, measuring about 12¼" square, extends from the base of the top stripe and has thirteen five-pointed white cotton stars hand sewn to it, with twelve along the border and one in the center. Four hand sewn eyelets are visible on the hoist as well. Centered on the white middle stripe is boldly appliquéd in red a three line motto "LIBERTY/ OR/ DEATH" in serif letters about 1¼" tall. The hoist and bottom fly edges are trimmed with 1¼" blue cloth fringe affixed by a colorful ¼" floral pattern tape. Most likely this same edging was on the top fly as well, but it is no longer present. The size and construction of the piece hints that it may have been used by a Confederate cavalry unit. Overall condition is excellent with the expected spots of age discoloration.The entire piece is handsomely, professionally framed and has been authenticated by renowned Civil War flag expert and author Howard Madeus. The flag emerged from the family of Pvt. William Goodman, Co. I, Fifth Michigan Cavalry. Family tradition indicates it was captured by Goodman when his Custer Cavalry Brigade unit overran a Confederate baggage train at Jack's Shop, Virginia at the time Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart was there protecting Lee's retreat from Gettysburg. With the flag is a carte de visite size tintype of Goodman in full uniform, Goodman's G.A.R. medal, a family photo album, two white linen kerchiefs supposedly used by Goodman and some other family mementoes. Goodman enlisted in August 1862, was captured at James City, Virginia on October 11, 1863, and died a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Georgia on July 24, 1864. An absolutely incomparable, museum quality flag with a fine history.
Auction Info
2009 June Signature Civil War Auction #6024 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2009
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 3,365
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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