Fall 2024 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
October 31st, November 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, 2024
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CIVIL WAR ERA MARITIME 13 STAR EAGLE FLAG OF CAPTAIN SS WARNER
02-23130-5
39″ x 53″ white linen field, all hand sewn, wool eagle & stars motif, rope hoist.
This incredible flag descended in family of Samuel Sheldon Warner (1827-1887) who had a lifetime at sea. The US Revenue Cutter Service was expanded during the Civil War to combat blockade running. Samuel would join in 1861, being confirmed by the Senate as Lieutenant in 1863 and as first Lieutenant in 1864. He would be promoted to captain in 1866 and command several different revenue cutter ships till his death, 27 years of service. Prior to the Civil War, he was sailing on a London Packet ship. James Bard in his maritime paintings often show eagle flags on steam ships, 1850-1880. Most surviving examples are commercially made in New York by Sarah McFadden and date post-Civil War. Capt. Warner would not have had a personal maritime flag for his service in the US revenue cutter service, so it is possible this flag predates this service when he was sailing on packet ships. This flag came originally in a trunk of captain Warner effects including a 34-star flag which would date 1861-1863. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Letter from flag historian Dave Martucci, along with copy of his article on Steamboat flags. Copies of photos of other material from the Capt. SS Warner chest, including photo of note stating this flag dated 1863.
