[FLAGS]. 48-Star baseball game flag with detailed inscription. Maine, Ca 1903.

Flag is about 4.5 by 7.5 inches, housed in an 8.25 by 12.25 inch frame. Frame has double-sided glass.

4 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. printed flag on glazed cotton, framed, 8 1/4 x 12 1/4 in. Staggered star pattern. Hand-written inscriptions on both sides of flag: (Obverse) “Fireworks at Harlows G.B.S. & S.A.W. H.A.H.& A.B.W. Went July 4, 1903. Ball game 6 to 4 in favor of Kingfield"; (Reverse) "July 4, 1903. H.A.H. Ball game between Lexington & Kingfield 6 to 4 in favor of Kingfield." Ca 1903.

Since the earliest days of the republic, Americans have observed the anniversary of our nation’s independence as a major holiday and an important time for celebration. Many of today’s Fourth of July traditions- fireworks, parades and games- have their roots in local customs dating back to the post Revolutionary War period.

The written notations on this flag recount the July 4 fireworks celebration and score of a baseball game possibly played between the neighboring towns of Kingfield and Lexington, Maine, at the Harlow family farm in 1903.

Provenance: J. Richard Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags; Cowan's, American History, 19 November 2020, Lot 232; Collection of Jeffrey Kenneth Kohn, MD.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Some soiling and toning to flag. Some edge wear.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[FLAGS]. 48-Star baseball game flag with detailed inscription. Maine, Ca 1903.

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