LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Civil War Auction #674  / 

72374

CONFEDERATE ADMIRAL FRANKLIN BUCHANAN FLAG

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:31,250.00 USD Estimated At:65,000.00 - 85,000.00 USD
CONFEDERATE ADMIRAL FRANKLIN BUCHANAN FLAG
<B>CONFEDERATE ADMIRAL FRANKLIN BUCHANAN: HIS PERSONAL BATTLE-SCARRED “STARS AND BARS”, WHICH LATER COVERED HIS COFFIN UPON HIS DEATH. EX. - WILLIAM ALBAUGH 1966</B></I>. This thoroughly documented flag stands out even among the other treasures in this wonderful auction! An undated, but obviously old signed statement from the son and executor of one George Stewart attests that this flag was purchased directly from Buchanan’s estate, and that it was “in fact used on the coffin of Admiral Buchanan” (the statement is reproduced on the Heritage web site). According to a handwritten 1966 letter from Bill Albaugh to the then-owner, “I found out that this flag was exhibited in the U.S. Marine Headquarters…by the U.S. Navy Dept. for several months in the early 1960s.” Included with the lot is a photocopy of a 1962 receipt from the Navy for the flag (as well as for the Jefferson Davis-signed appointment also appearing in this auction). In a separate longhand letter, Albaugh wrote that “I honestly consider (it) to be one of the rarest of all Confederate flags.”<BR><BR>Buchanan was perhaps the most important Confederate Naval officer. Formerly Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, he threw in with the Confederacy, and his first command was the immortal ironclad C.S.S. <I>Virginia</B></I> (<I>Merrimack</B></I>) that battled the Federal ironclad <I>Monitor</B></I> in one of the most famous engagements in naval history. Wounded in that battle, Buchanan was promoted to Admiral by Jefferson Davis in recognition of his role.<BR><BR>Albaugh describes the present flag as “a naval Confederate ‘Stars and Bars’”, 30” x 60”, all hand-made and hand-stitched. Considering its age and the fact of much use & wear, it is in reasonable condition. The “Union” portion of the flag contains only seven stars, indicating it to be of the very early type, each star denoting one of the original seven seceding cotton states. The flag covered Buchanan’s coffin when he was buried in 1874. Presumably it is the flag from his first command, the C.S.S. <I>Merrimack</B></I>.<BR><BR>The “Union” portion of the flag is of a tightly woven blue cotton fabric, while the stripes were made of a looser woven cloth, rather like bunting. The original rope is still intact on the left side. There is scattered fairly minor soiling and staining, as well as assorted holes and tatters as shown, most if not all of which are likely to have occurred in use. The colors remain strong, and the flag has a pleasing display presence, as the photo shows. Expensively professionally mounted to neutral board and custom-framed. An important and evocative Confederate battle flag, of highly distinguished provenance, and the subject of several detailed longhand letters from legendary hobbyist Bill Albaugh.<BR><BR>This flag has been carefully examined by authoritative in-house experts and has been deemed to be authentic and of the period in every respect including fabric, thread, dye and the method and pattern of construction. Additionally, any accompanying provenance has been verified as unique and indigenous to the specific flag it documents.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Framed - without Glass, Large (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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