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Blaine & Logan: A Remarkable Quilt Composed of Eight Silk 1884 Jugate Campaign Flags,...
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Description
Blaine & Logan: A Remarkable Quilt Composed of Eight Silk 1884 Jugate Campaign Flags, plus two silk single portrait flags and 2/3 of a ninth jugate. The meticulous maker has removed the canton from a silk name flag and sewn it in place horizontally over a single-portrait flag for some reason to complete the side.Quilts like this are very rare, but do surface on occasion. In the 1980s an example turned up with Lincoln-Hamlin and Bell-Everett name flags and in the early 1990s a quilt appeared with one side done in Henry Clay portrait flags. Contrary to our sensibilities as political collectors, these flags were actually used to form the undersides of such quilts, which probably goes to explain why on all three cited examples the flags were in beautiful condition.
Both the Clay and the 1860 candidates' quilts were taken apart so that the flags could be sold individually. As quilts, their designs were not terribly desirable, making this an easier decision. The same fate undoubtedly awaits this Blaine-Logan example at some point. The top side is done in a wild array of cloth swatches known as a "crazy quilt" pattern. Although colorful and appealing, crazy quilts do not command high prices in that hobby. For the record, the condition of the crazy quilt side is as nice as the reverse.
The flags are in superb, near-mint condition with deep, vivid reds and blues, and portray none of the sometimes uneven fading often seen on examples which were long exposed to light. One jugate flag has a printing flaw affecting the portraits. The top and bottom rows show a slight loss of material at the outer edge, although it seems likely that at least some portion remains, folded under the black silk edge trim.
Examples of the jugate flag in top condition have sold various times, publicly and privately, in the $4000-6000 range, and flags in lesser shape typically trade in the $2000-3000 range. The single-portrait Blaine flags in this condition would probably fetch $1000-2000. Accordingly, this offering presents an excellent opportunity for a dealer or a collector who could use these flags for "horse trading." Of course, it would be nice if someone enjoyed the quilt in its present form, as did its last owner, enough to keep it together!
Overall dimensions are approximately 66" x 58". Individual flags are 22" x 15".
Auction Info
2015 May 18 Americana & Political Grand Format Auction - Dallas #6145 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2015
18th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,116
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