LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Feb Americana Grand Format Auction #659  / 

25016

Lincoln & Hamlin: Important Large Portrait Flag

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
Lincoln & Hamlin: Important Large Portrait Flag
<B>Lincoln & Hamlin: A Highly Important Large Portrait Flag from the 1860 Campaign.</B></I> Campaign flags have long been considered the "blue chip" items among political collectibles. First appearing in 1840, they usually name the candidates on the stripes and sometimes also featured portraits set among the stars. <BR><BR>Portrait flags have always been considered more important and valuable than name flags, and the Lincoln portrait flags are the most valued of the bunch. Although a half-dozen different varieties are known from the 1860 and 1864 elections, the total known population for all varieties is in the neighborhood of 15 examples. Most are significantly smaller than the present copy, a size which we have not encountered before. Only one larger Lincoln portrait flag is known. To evaluate the overall condition one must turn to the photographs that better convey the whole presence of this unique item. Unlike many flags of that era it is complete, even including the original loops for attachment at the left corners. All but a handful of the flags of this era (those which were carefully put away and protected from light and the elements) show some degree of fading. The color here is above average, with the red and blue fairly strong. There is moderate overall aging, but no major defects. There are three minor small holes, one to the right of Lincolns jaw and one on his shirt, and another small hole under the word "Lincoln". There are a few minor, scattered small stain marks, including several to the right of Lincoln's image. Several minor small horizontal separations in the fabric are not noticeable and none of them affect the portrait area or lettering in any case. All in all, we would describe the condition as very good. This is truly a museum-quality political textile, and a rare opportunity for the sophisticated collector of campaign memorabilia or Lincoln items. Measures an impressive 38" x 23".<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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