An 18th century 13 star flag put in an impressive performance at Freeman's April 17 American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts auction, coming out top lot.
The flag, which was discovered in a trunk left by Michael Patrick Patton (1870-1943), sold for $212,500.
 According to family lore, the 13 star flag was found in a trunk left by Michael Patrick Patton - a draper and decorator of patriotic flag displays. |
Following his death, Patton's trunk passed into the possession of his great grandson, who initially took little interest in it. However, the unusual flag eventually caught his eye, and recognising it as an early American flag, the gentleman sought to verify that it was from the 18th century.
The flag was thoroughly examined and it was found that the dyes used did indeed date from the 1700s.
Furthermore, it was decided that a perplexing handwritten inscription on the flag was made by Nathaniel Ames (1761-1803), a soldier during the revolutionary war whose ship was captured and taken to Bermuda.
It is during this period in captivity that Ames most likely signed and dated the flag.
Ames would later become a Methodist minister.
Antique flags are hot property among collectors. A unique collection of flags from the American ship USS Constitution sold for record breaking sums in April 2012, while a 15 star American naval jack is expected to achieve £25,000 ($38,500) in the UK on May 1.
Browse the medals and militaria we currently have in stock.
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