1777 BATTLE OF SARATOGA FLAG RELICS
Blue and red silk fragments that originated from a Revolutionary War flag used at the battle of Saratoga, each measuring about 1" x 1/4". Double-matted in light yellow and blue with an image of the British surrender and printed explanatory text. A 1943 note states that these fragments once hung in the lobby of the White Sulphur Springs Hotel in Stillwater, NY near the site of the battle. Provenance accompanying the piece includes images of the original relics and notations which accompanied them, including a notation dated July 11th, 1938 stating that these fragments hung in the lobby of the hotel, and a 1943 note which remarks that of the several Revolutionary War flags once hanging in the lobby, only these relics had not been stolen by souvenir hunters. These remaining pieces were kept by owner Thomas Luther beside the reception desk for many years. Under the terms of Burgoyne's surrender the British were allowed to keep their colors so these fragments either came from a captured British flag or an American flag. These remnants were sold at auction by Butterfield & Butterfield of San Francisco in Auction #16 March 19th, 1994. These are the only remnants of a Revolutionary War flag we have ever seen offered for sale. Accompanied by a certificate of provenance.