Thomas Jefferson: Early 19th-Century Chesapeake-Leopard Affair Commemorative Bandanna, Featured in Threads of History.
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Description
Thomas Jefferson: Early 19th-Century Chesapeake-Leopard Affair Commemorative Bandanna, Featured in Threads of History. 22" x 26" (sight). This exceedingly rare printed cotton bandanna commemorates the infamous Chesapeake-Leopard Affair of 1807, a pivotal naval engagement between the British Royal Navy and the United States Navy that escalated tensions leading to the War of 1812. The central design prominently features HMS Leopard and USS Chesapeake, two warships whose clash became a defining moment in early U.S.-British relations.On June 22, 1807, Leopard intercepted Chesapeake off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, demanding to search for alleged British deserters. When Chesapeake's captain, James Barron, refused, Leopard opened fire, devastating the unprepared American vessel and forcing its surrender. British forces boarded, removing four sailors—three of whom were later confirmed to be American citizens. The attack sparked outrage in the United States, leading President Thomas Jefferson to impose the Embargo Act of 1807, a move that further strained Anglo-American relations and set the stage for the War of 1812.
The intricate red-on-white design of this textile - bordered by billowing sails, maritime symbols, slogans of "Man the Gun boats - Cheer lads Cheer", and corner roundels featuring images of "Thomas Jefferson President US", suggests it was designed to stir American sentiment and reinforce opposition to British interference in U.S. affairs. If, as Threads of History suggests, this textile was indeed printed in America, it stands as one of the earliest surviving examples of American-made political textiles tied to a major historical event. An extraordinary acquisition for collectors of early American-printed textiles, naval history, or Anglo-American conflict memorabilia.
Condition: Moderate staining and fraying at edges, but overall well-preserved for its age. Professionally and archivally custom framed for conservation. The item measures 26" x 30" overall. A museum-quality artifact that captures a defining moment in U.S. and British naval history—an opportunity rarely seen at auction.
Auction Info
2025 October 24 - 25 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6324 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
September
29th
Monday
Auction Dates
October
24th-25th
Friday-Saturday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
6 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 126
Auction Type
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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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