SOLD
55,000.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2005 Oct 05 @ 16:31UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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RARE & HISTORIC NAPOLEANIC FLAG. This is purported to be the very flag used on Napolean's launch while at the Kingdom of Elba. Lot includes period red & white striped orig flag pole together with the orig early 19th century flag. Flag was acquired from the Calvin Bullock Collection of Napoleonic items. A photocopy of an orig purchase receipt from E. F. Bonaventure Art Galleries formerly located at 745 5th Ave., New York, NY dated April 29, 1941, and made out to Mr. Calvin Bullock of 1 Wall Street itemizes a group of items purchased by Mr. Bullock on that day. Included is "the Flag of the Service Boat used by Napolean at Elba Isles (has orig pole)". The receipt further indicates "bought at the Meredith Galleries Inc., Wannamaker Collection, Five Empire Flaggs". This lot is accompanied by a recent letter of authenticity from noted textile expert, Fonda Thompson, affirming that both textile, thread & decoration is early 19th century. Also included is a report from noted flag historian, Whitney Smith, Ph.D., of the Flag Research Center in Winchester, Massachusetts in which he states "all of the materials (fabric, cord, thread, wood & metal) of this flag are consistent with flags previously examined by me and known to have been made & used in the early 19th century." Mr. Smith goes on to say "The recorded history of the Elba flag is confused and is based entirely on secondary sources. When Napoleon was sent into exile in 1814 to become ruler of the island of Elba, no provision had been made for a local flag. It is claimed that Napoleon discussed that question with his aides on board HMS Undaunted on 3 May 1814. The following day he arrived at the capital of Elba, Porto Ferrajo, where the flag was hoisted. On 9 May, it was displayed in all the towns of the island. The flag continued to be used as a national flag until 1 March 1815 when Napoleon set sail for France". The flag is described by Dr. Smith as,"The flag submitted is one of the designs used by Elba at the time it was an independent state (1814-1815). The technical characteristics of the flag are documented as follows. All measurements are approximate due to slight distortions in the fabric that have developed over time. The staff is 97" long. The (white)flag is 47" wide and its length is 67". The three 15" wide pieces of woven fabric constituting the background are apparently of wool. The top and bottom pieces are selvage. The entire flag, including hoist, fly, diagonal stripe, insets, and heading are hand-stitched.The (red) stripe is 7-1/4" wide. It overlaps the upper hoist and lower fly corners equally, such that the median of the stripe corresponds to the diagonal median of the flag. There are pieces of white reinforcement fabric, 5" square, in both the upper hoist and lower hoist corners, of the same material as the flag. The flag is attached to the staff by four pieces of 1/4" wide white ribbon equally spaced along the hoist. These are tied around the staff in bow knots. The heading of the flag appears to be of linen. Its fabric has been folded over and stitched along the hoist edge to enclose a cord that runs the length of the heading. The hand-stitched seams have been turned under so that the hem appears on the reverse side of the flag. The diagonal stripe has inset pieces of fabric appliqued to it, equally spaced along the stripe. On the reverse side of the flag fabric of the field has been cut away within the stitching so that the design of the insets shows through. The fabric of the inset pieces appears to be silk, painted with metallic gold and with details rendered in red and brown paint. The design of each inset shows a bee approximately 7" wide and 5-1/4" long.The background fabric has a number of small stains. The fabric of some of the larger stains has rotted away, leaving holes in the flag. There are several small areas on the flag which have been crudely mended, apparently with silk thread. These repairs appear consistent with work that might have been done by a person responsible for maintaining the flag but lacking in technical skills.The staff to which the flag is attached is made of wood and is spirally painted red and white its entire length. There is a round flat red truck at its top. The bottom of the staff has been shaved to reduce the diameter of the bottom 1-1/2" of the staff, presumably in order to allow for the insertion of the staff into some kind of tube or other holder mounted on a ship or building. At the top of the staff is a U-shaped metal staple set 1" below the truck. The staple extends out of the wood approximately 1/2". There are two holes in the wood 3" below the truck suggesting that there may have been another staple there which is no longer present. On the staff, 46-1/2" from the bottom, there is a metal disk, apparently of brass. It is attached to the pole, presumably by a sharp point extending from the reverse of the disk. The disk bears the numeral 4.Further information from an unknown source accompanying the flag states "A week after leaving Fontainebleau, the entourage arrived at Frejus where a French sloop was supposed to be waiting to transport Napoleon to Elba and afterwards remain his personal property. Only the English frigate, 'The Undaunted" lay waiting. When the French frigate arrived from St. Tropez under a Bourbon flag, Napoleon refused to board, preferring he said to sail under a foreign flag than that of the French king. He sailed for Elba on the 29th.It was on board the Undaunted that the Emperor designed the present flag. As a newly sovereign and independent state, Elba required its own emblem for its independent existence. Certainly Napoleon required a standard, not least for the recognition of his shipping to and from the island.Bonaparte set to the task and devised a flag based on the Medici design when Florence ruled Elba, a red diagonal against a white background. The three golden bees (a favorite symbol) he had already included in his arms as Emperor, and he added these again. The ship's tailor quickly stitched two examples of the new flag, one to fly from the ramparts of the fort when the new king landed and the other to adorn the ship's slip that carried him ashore. Given the size of the present flag, it might be surmised that it was put to a similar use, to fly from a small launch or similar vessel.".This source also goes on to state, "One contemporary illustration of the Elba flag of 3 bees on a red diagonal against a white field has been found during this research, depicted in a small woodcut vignette on the cover of a London exhibition catalog, A Short Description of the Island of Elba, and town of Porto-Ferrajo, publihsed in 1815 as a guide to a painted panoramic view of the island then on tour. It of course matches the design of the example acquired from Calvin Bullock." As mentioned earlier, the flag was acquired from the famous collection of Napoleonica formed by financier Calvin Bullock, the majority of which was sold in Christie's London 8 May, 1985, this flag was never consigned to Christie's, but was from a group of items retained by the family and later sold privately to the present owner in 1995. This banner had for many years been displayed along with the rest of Mr. Bullock's collection at No. 1 Wall Street, accompanied by the following placard underneath: "The Flag of the / Service-Boat / used by Napoleon / at Elbe Isle / Original pole and flag of / service-boat used daily by Napoleon during his sojourn / on Elbe Isle. Napoleon / probably used this boat to / reach the French shore at / Golfe de Juan in 1815". This is a very rare opportunity to acquire what is believed to be Napoleon's personal launch flag used at Elba before he returned to France one final time. 4-56962 (95,000-125,000)
Auction Location:
12 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, United States
Previewing Details:
Monday, October 3, 2005: 10:00am-5:30pm EST
Tuesday, October 4, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
Wednesday, October 5, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
Thursday, October 6, 2005: 8:00-10:00am EST
See terms and conditions
Buyer's Premiums:
From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
SHIPPING:
If you are the successful bidder and are unable to attend the auction in person or pick up your item, we will pack and ship your item for you. The costs for shipping include labor at $22 per hour, packing material and cartons, insurance at $0.55 per $99 valuation, and actual invoiced shipping charges.
AFTER THE SALE:
An invoice will be sent in the mail within 5-7 business days. Included will be a form for shipping instructions and a form for payment method.
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CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE - We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person. Since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 44 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 44 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 44 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us with 44 days after the auction.
B. LIMIT OF RESTITUTION: Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. Refunds requested on the grounds of authenticity must be accompanied by at least a supporting written statement from an authority recognized by the auctioneers. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same condition as received.
C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in full money back refund or adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
2. RECEIPT OF GOODS - All goods sold will be tagged and can be claimed upon presentation of paid receipts ONLY. All items to be wrapped will be wrapped by the purchaser.
3. PROTESTED BIDS - In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.
4. TAX - There is no sales tax in the State of New Hampshire, thus anything bought and paid for and removed the days of the auction in New Hampshire are non-taxable. However, if yours is an absentee bid and you later have it shipped from our Fairfield offices, again there is no sales tax. But, if you are an absentee bidder and elect to pick up and pay for your things in Maine, the things will then be subject to tax unless you have a sales tax certificate.
5. NOMINAL BIDS - The Auctioneer may reject nominal bids, small opening bids or very nominal advances made with purpose of disparaging an item. If a lot fails to open for 25% to 30% of the low estimate, the item may be passed from the block by the Auctioneer and may not be re-offered until a later sale.
6. ABSENTEE BIDS - Phone, fax or mail bids will be accepted with a 20% deposit, late bids or last minute bids can be confirmed with a Visa or MasterCard number, in many cases. In such case, the bookkeeper will execute such bids competitively. It is entirely possible to buy items by absentee bid for less than your top bid price. Please Note: Absentee bids are a service provided to our customers free of charge. Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids; however, you must know that this is not a perfect system neither here nor at any other auction house. In the event of an error of omission or failure to properly execute absentee bids, the auctioneer shall not be held liable.
7. TERMS - All items are to paid for in American funds at the day of the auction. Non-residents who have not established an account with us and wish to pay by check, must do so prior to the beginning of the auction by presenting a current letter of reference from their bank or by providing references which are suitable to the auctioneer. Absentee Bidders - Directly after the auction a bill will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately. The auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank, if the auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest.
8. INTEREST AND DEFAULT - Payment is due upon receipt. If the buyer’s invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of the auction, James D. Julia, Inc. has the right and will charge the buyer’s credit card of record on file for the total invoice amount. Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. James D. Julia, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.
9. RESERVES - Some items in this auction may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the owner or for the auction house. The purchaser will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve figures cannot be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you ask.
10. WITHDRAWAL - We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
11. TITLE - A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer’s risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made with the Julia’s Operations Manager. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.
12. PHONE BIDS - At the discretion of the auctioneer, phone bidding may be arranged on more expensive items, (i.e. $500 or more). In order to make arrangements to bid on the telephone at the time a lot is being sold, you must contact our office in advance of the auction. We will make arrangements to call you just prior to the lot being sold so that you may bid over the telephone. There are usually a limited number of phone lines available into the room, so if you wish to bid over the telephone, it is important for you to make your arrangements early. “Cover-me Bids”: , if you wish to bid by telephone, you might also want to consider a “cover-me bid” at the time you make arrangements for phone bidding. A “cover-me bid” allows your phone contact here at Julia’s to still execute a predetermined bid amount for you in the case that they cannot get through to you on the telephone. Your phone agent is the only person who will have this bid and will only use it to bid in the event that he/she cannot reach you. Assuming you are reached via telephone, they would not use your bid, but rely on your verbal instructions.. “Cover-me bids” are not mandatory, you can place one at your discretion, they are simply a safety device in the event you cannot be reached by telephone in time.
13. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY - If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you’re executing or registering for pays you or not.
14. BUYER’S PREMIUM - Shall be reduced to 20% of the final bid price, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. This is assuming the account is paid by check, cash or any equivalent of cash. If you settle your account by credit card the buyer’s premium then shall be the standard 22% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.
15. LEGAL DISPUTE - Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
16. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE - The Maine Uniform Commercial Code, Title 11, Section 2-328 applies to this auction sale.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS - Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms.
18. MAINE AUCTIONEER RULES AND REGULATIONS - The Maine Auctioneer Rules and regulations are regulated by the Maine Board of Licensing of Auctioneers, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.
19. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSE NUMBERS: ME License #AR83; NH License #2511: Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.