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George Washington: Circa 1790's Patriotic Portrait Ribbon. 1 1/2" x 7" A rare early portrait ribbon featuring a folk-...
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Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Friday, April 24, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Friday, February 6, 2026.
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Description
George Washington: Circa 1790's Patriotic Portrait Ribbon. 1 1/2" x 7" A rare early portrait ribbon featuring a folk-art woodcut of George Washington, shown above cannon, flanked by U.S. flags to his right and muskets with bayonets to his left. Above the scene, a soaring eagle carries an olive branch, with the motto below: "Fostered Under Thy Wings We Die in Thy Defence."This slogan is known to have been used by the Montgomery Guards of Massachusetts, a militia group organized in the 1830s. However, given the purely patriotic iconography and the lack of any formal insignia, it seems unlikely that the ribbon was worn as militia regalia. It was more likely produced as an early patriotic emblem honoring Washington and the newly independent nation.
The portrait of Washington bears no resemblance to the more familiar memorial or centennial designs, nor does the ribbon include his birth or death dates. On stylistic grounds and the absence of commemorative reference, this piece was most likely produced during Washington's lifetime, making it an exceptional early example of American patriotic ribbon art.
Condition: Even overall toning with only the slightest trace of soiling; a truly exceptional and possibly unique surviving example.
Auction Info
2026 April 24 - 25 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6327 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
March
24th
Tuesday
Auction Dates
April
24th-25th
Friday-Saturday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
92 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 21
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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