Lot 1865

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Description:

THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL LIMOUSINE FLAG
An important presidential relic, the first Presidential flag to be used on a limousine carrying a sitting president. Although William Henry Taft (1857-1930) was not the first president to ride in an automobile, he was the first president whose limousine displayed a Presidential flag. Offered here is one of Taft's flags, probably the only example extant. The silk flag measures 13 x 11.75 and has a delicate gold 1.5 in. fringe on three sides. There are also two red, white and blue silk bows attached to the hoist. The Great Seal of the United States appears at center, apparently printed using a silk screen process. The presentation also includes a 1.5 in. campaign button of Taft with his portrait, affixed to an extraordinarily rare 6 3/4 x 2 in. white ribbon with gilt lettering reading 'Presidential Chauffeur' - possible the source of this flag. There are also a pair of 9 x 7.5 in. silver print photographs, both showing Taft in an automobile. The photo on the right side has a sign on the door that reads 'President Escort 1'. The photo on the left shows Taft being helped out of the car which displays a flag on the left front fender very similar in design to this one, if not the very same flag. There is some minor fraying to the left side of the flag, else very good. Very good overall. Nicely matted and set into an antique wood frame.

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Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 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.

June 16, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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