PRESENTATION THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY REGIMENTAL COLORS.

Revised: 10/5/2011

Correction: The two books listed in the description do not go with this lot.

PRESENTATION THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY REGIMENTAL COLORS. This is a most interesting Union Battle flag. This blue silk flag has a fine rendering of the great seal of the State of Pennsylvania by an excellent painter. Richard Sauers in his 2 volume set of books on Pennsylvania Civil War flags show several vary similar flags where the artists have been identified that is a possibility here also. Third Pennsylvania Cavalry had a great war history being involved in most battles of the Army of the Potomac, including Antietam and Gettysburg where the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry was heavily engaged. Captain Newhall, on the 2nd day of the battle, with a portion of his command were heavily engaged and from his memoir published just a few months after his death is found “The little band instantly charged this vastly superior force, breaking through the flank, and creating a diversion just at the decisive moment. Out of what had been disorder, a steady line of our men now advanced, and the golden opportunity of the rebels was lost. Only a score of the Third had ridden down upon the enemy, and but size of these noble few escaped unhurt. New hall had made straight for the battle-flag, and raising his sabre charged like a thunderbolt upon the color-bearer, but the latter suddenly lowered the spear-head of the banner, and struck his antagonist full on the chin with terrible force, shattering his jaw, tearing his cheek to pieces, and knocking him senseless from his horse. When he recovered his consciousness, he found himself lying between the two lines, a shell occasionally bursting near him. His wound was bleeding profusely, his arms were gone, and he had been evidently left for dead.” The regimental history of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry published in 1905 tells similar accounts of Newhall’s daring attempt to capture the Confederate flag. This flag originally had a standard presentation, which originally read “Presented by the Grateful Citizens of Philadelphia to the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, December 1863.” The top ribbon in this presentation has been changed to read “In memory of Walter S. Newhall”. Captain Newhall, one of the heroes of the Battle of Gettysburg died tragically on December 18, 1863 and the presentation was painted over in his honor. We know of no other flags with similar presentations. Silk colors of the Civil War in fine presentable condition such as this are all scarce. CONDITION: This flag measures about 54 x 59″ retains all of its 1″ yellow silk fringe, the blue silk body is about 80% intact, painted surfaces are mostly intact with some losses as can be seen in photos. This flag has been conversationally framed and has been sewn to a cotton backing for support. 4-44165 JS176 (15,000-25,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2214	$73,600.00	Revised: 10/5/2011 Correction: The two books listed in the description do not go with this lot. PRESENTATION THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY REGIMENTAL COLORS. This is a most interesting Union Battle flag. This blue silk flag has a fine rendering of the great seal of the State of Pennsylvania by an excellent painter. Richard Sauers in his 2 volume set of books on Pennsylvania Civil War flags show several vary similar flags where the artists have been identified that is a possibility here also. Third Pennsylvania Cavalry had a great war history being involved in most battles of the Army of the Potomac, including Antietam and Gettysburg where the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry was heavily engaged. Captain Newhall, on the 2nd day of the battle, with a portion of his command were heavily engaged and from his memoir published just a few months after his death is found “The little band instantly charged this vastly superior force, breaking through the flank, and creating a diversion just at the decisive moment. Out of what had been disorder, a steady line of our men now advanced, and the golden opportunity of the rebels was lost. Only a score of the Third had ridden down upon the enemy, and but size of these noble few escaped unhurt. New hall had made straight for the battle-flag, and raising his sabre charged like a thunderbolt upon the color-bearer, but the latter suddenly lowered the spear-head of the banner, and struck his antagonist full on the chin with terrible force, shattering his jaw, tearing his cheek to pieces, and knocking him senseless from his horse. When he recovered his consciousness, he found himself lying between the two lines, a shell occasionally bursting near him. His wound was bleeding profusely, his arms were gone, and he had been evidently left for dead.” The regimental history of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry published in 1905 tells similar accounts of Newhall’s daring attempt to capture the Confederate flag. This flag originally had a standard presentation, which originally read “Presented by the Grateful Citizens of Philadelphia to the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, December 1863.” The top ribbon in this presentation has been changed to read “In memory of Walter S. Newhall”. Captain Newhall, one of the heroes of the Battle of Gettysburg died tragically on December 18, 1863 and the presentation was painted over in his honor. We know of no other flags with similar presentations. Silk colors of the Civil War in fine presentable condition such as this are all scarce. CONDITION: This flag measures about 54 x 59″ retains all of its 1″ yellow silk fringe, the blue silk body is about 80% intact, painted surfaces are mostly intact with some losses as can be seen in photos. This flag has been conversationally framed and has been sewn to a cotton backing for support. 4-44165 JS176 (15,000-25,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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