A 33-star flag carried by the 55th Virginian flag during the capture of militant abolitionist John Brown in 1859 sold for $10,625 at Heritage Auctions' sale of Civil War memorabilia on June 7.

The 33-star Virginian flag was made in 1858

Brown (1800-1859) led a group of freed slaves in an assault on the local armoury in an attempt to ferment revolution in the state - an act that helped kick-start the civil war.

He was captured by the men of the 55th, led by future Confederate general Robert E Lee, and hanged shortly afterwards.

A collection of medals belonging to Union army officer Frank Dwight Baldwin also sold well.

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