Description:

AMERICAN KRUSADERS - KU KLUX KLAN BANNER, UNIFORM AND DOCUMENTS
The American Krusaders was an organization founded in 1923 whose charter described the organization as 'purely benevolent, charitable fraternal, protective and eleemosynary' although, its beliefs and actions mirrored those of the Klan. It was regularly described as an offshoot or affiliate of the Klan, and it was commonly referred to as a 'Klan chapter for the foreign born' as the Klan limited its membership strictly to native-born Americans. The Krusaders held well-attended gatherings in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and political figures in the region were also often associated with the more ethnically friendly Klan affiliate. The Krusaders also pointedly excluded from their membership immigrants from Greece, Italy, and the Balkans regardless of their religion. Offered here is an extraordinary, very rare grouping of American Krusaders material, all ca. 1920s. Included is a one-sided chapter banner, 32 x 57 in. overall, embroidered with large black lettering: 'OWANAMASSEE KAMP AMERICAN KRUSADERS NEW JERSEY' At center is a very large embroidered American Krusaders emblem, very reminiscent of the Klan's red cross within a white circle. Five suspension ribbons are sewn at the top, just above a metallic gold-fringed decorative flap. Similar fringe is affixed to the scalloped bottom of the banner, accented with the addition of three gold metal tassels. Also included is an American Krusaders hood and white robe. The robe is a simple member's cotton robe with white button front, tasseled white cotton belt, large cape sewn to the rear, and the organization's cloth patch sewn to the left breast. A simple white hood with red tassel and no face covering is also present. The robe bears a few stains, not too objectionable. A number of rare documents are included in this lot as well, among them the paperback period-issued Constitution and Ritual of the American Krusaders, each about 60pp. long; a copy of the 'Oath of the American Krusaders' in blank, 3pp. 4to.; 'Initial Instructions to Organizers', 12pp. 12mo.; 'Instructions to Organizers', 4pp. legal folio with seal; a 'Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Charter Petition' from Johnstown, Pa., complete with 53 signatories, contained within an envelope reading: 'Charter Petition of Johnstown Krusaders'; a T.L.S. on official 'American Krusaders Incorporated' letterhead, 1p.4to., harrisburg, pa., Jan. 26, 1927 to a man in Johnstown advising that two robes had been sent to him in error; and a few pieces of related ephemera. An incredible grouping, much rarer than Klan material of the same period.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. We will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000