Guernsey’s – Our Nation’s History At Auction!
November 22nd 3 pm
www.guernseys.com
65 E. 93 St, NY, NY 10128

NEW YORK CITY — Consistent with the manner in which Guernsey’s has leapfrogged from one interesting auction to another over the last many decades, the auction house’s next event on November 22 will focus on US history and include several of the most important historic artifacts ever to come to auction.

These include the American flag that draped Abraham Lincoln’s coffin as it traveled by train following his tragic assassination. Departing from Washington, the train — with Lincoln’s coffin and this flag displayed in a special car — made stops in Philadelphia, New York City and smaller terminals on its way to the 16th US president’s final Illinois resting place. A total of 7 million mourners were reported to have met the train along the way.

Although the Lincoln train flag in and of itself would constitute a major offering, the November 22 auction will also contain such treasures as the only 49-star American flag ever issued by the government. Along with the 49-star presidential flag (also in the auction), it stood in the Oval Office of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Shifting from flags, this auction will include the actual plaster maquettes crafted by famed sculptor Daniel Chester French for Washington, DC’s Lincoln Memorial and the Concord Minute Man, two of the most important artistic creations in American history.

Sculptural busts by the late Robert Berks (his likeness of President Kennedy is the centerpiece of the Kennedy Center), a lock of George Washington’s hair and never-before-seen vintage photographs directly from the archives of the famed Bachrach Studio are all part of the auction. (The very Bachrach Studio chair sat in by presidents, world leaders and accomplished figures, from Thomas Edison to Leonard Bernstein, will also be in the sale.)

Guernsey’s American history auction will then be followed by the sale of a fabled musical instrument collection that had long thought to have been destroyed and a unique event dedicated to raising funds — and awareness — to protect endangered animal species. These events are being conducted as Guernsey’s ushers in its 50th year in business. Formed in 1975 by Arlan Ettinger and Barbara Mintz, few gave the couple much of a chance to survive in the competitive auction world. But survive they did, and the couple to this day continue on, striving to produce the most interesting auction events.

Guernsey’s is at 65 E 93rd Street. For information, 212-794-2280 or www.guernseys.com.

Our Nation’s history… at auction!
Guernsey’s to present significant artifacts November 22nd
Abraham Lincoln’s Flag and Portraits: The funeral train that carried Lincoln’s coffin was viewed by 7 million mourners as it traveled from Washington to Philadelphia, New York City and on to its final resting place in Illinois. Draping the coffin was this 8-foot long, 37-star American Flag. The subject of extensive research, the Flag is being sold on behalf of the Museum of Southern History which was recently forced to close due to contaminants discovered in the ground on which it was built. The Flag will be providing funding for the acquisition of a new structure. A study of Lincoln by F. B. Carpenter (Six Months at the White House) and James Burns poignant Death of Abraham Lincoln are two of the important paintings in this sale.
Daniel Chester French’s Lincoln Memorial and Minute Man Maquettes: Universally considered amongst America’s foremost sculptors, in 1887 Mr. French created the figure of the Minute Man, the Revolutionary War farmer-turned-soldier who fought for our young Nation’s independence. Standing proudly in the center of Concord, Massachusetts, that figure has often been used in times of conflict to raise funds for US Savings and War Bonds. Decades later, French was given the honor of creating one of our most recognized, and beloved, sculptural masterpieces Washington’s Lincoln Memorial. Remarkably, this auction will contain the plaster studies for both of these landmark works of art.
The two 49-Star Oval Office Flags and the only 49-Star Presidential Seal: When (General Dwight D. Eisenhower
became President in 1953, our Nation had 48 states. But even then, rumors circulated about the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the Union. In January, 1939, talk became fact as Alaska became our 49th State. Knowing, however, that Hawaii was soon to follow, the US Government decided against producing a 49-Star Flag given that a 50-Star Flag was on the horizon. But for Eisenhower’s Oval Office, a singular – and quite beautiful – Flag was created to stand behind the President’s desk adjacent to his 49-Star Presidential Flag. Remarkably, those two historic flags, along with the bespoke 49-Star Presidential seal – are in this important sale.
Bachrach Studio Presidential Portraits: In the genre of Portrait Photography, no name rivals that of the Bachrach Studio which, since photo- graphically capturing Lincoln at Gettysburg, went on to become the Studio of choice of American Presidents, world leaders and other figures of fame and accomplishment. For the first time – ever – vintage prints from the Bachrach archive are being presented at auction. In addition to Presidential portraits, they include images of family gatherings and special events such as the wedding portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy. Also to be sold: the actual Studio Chair in which many prominent individuals sat for their portraits.
Robert Berks’ Sculptural Busts: The late sculptor Robert Berks (National Portrait Gallery, Kennedy Center, etc.) was widely known for his powerful Impressionist busts of prominent figures, including many American Presidents. The first sculptor to have his work on the cover of Time Magazine, Berks’ likeness of President Kennedy can be seen behind the podium of many White House presentations. On behalf of his Estate, a number of Berks’ original Presidential busts will be proudly presented at this event.
A locket containing George Washington’s hair has recently been added to the auction. Should you wish to discuss the possible addition of your treasured, historic item, please contact Guernsey’s.
The Auction: November 22, 3 pm
The Preview: November 20 & 21, noon to 8pm
Preview & Auction: Arader Galleries, 1016 Madison Avenue, NYC Online bidding: LiveAuclioneers.com
Information / phone bidding: Guernsey’s
65 E. 93 St, NY, NY 10128 • www.guernseys.com • 212-794-2280 • auctions@guernseys.com