PHILADELPHIA – Freeman’s A Grand Old Flag: The Stars and Stripes Collection of Dr. Peter J. Keim auction held on Nov. 24 was a great success, with overall sales totaling $795,241. Active bidders on the nearly 200 lots of historic American flags and flag-related artifacts included institutions, private collectors and dealers from across the country. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
Significant auction highlights included a 28-Star “Great Star” American flag commemorating Texas Statehood, circa 1846 (above), which sold for an impressive $68,750 against a presale estimate of $15,000-$25,000 and a 41-star American flag commemorating Montana statehood, circa 1889 (below), which sold for $41,250, over 10 times its original estimate of $4,000-$6,000,
A 13-star “Great-Star” pattern American flag dating from the late 18th/early 19th century sold for $33,750 against an estimate of $15,000-$25,000.
Other remarkable results included a 13-star American flag, circa 1861 (below) which brought a hefty $28,750 against a $5,000-$10,000 estimate, a 35-star Free Soil Party parade flag, circa 1860 (Lot 53) sold for $31,250 against a $12,000-$22,000 estimate, and a 26-star “Great Luminary” American flag commemorating Michigan statehood, circa 1840 (Lot 26) that sold for $26,250 over an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.
A 27-star American flag commemorating Florida statehood, circa 1860 (Lot 28) sold for $26,250 against an $8,000-$12,000 estimate. A 24-star American flag commemorating Missouri statehood, circa 1822 (below) sold for over five times its original estimate of $5,000-$7,000, realizing $25,000.
$25,000. Freeman’s image
The consignor, Dr. Peter J. Keim noted after the conclusion of the auction, “After 45 years of collecting, sharing, and caring for Stars and Stripes, I decided to part with my “old friends.” The folks at Freeman’s, Philadelphia based auction house, have been marvelous partners. Their patriotic spirit and respect for the flag was a perfect fit. From day one of planning through the final gavel, it has been a memorable experience. Freeman’s exceeded my expectations at every step along the way. Fifth stars!”
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