A rare 15 star American naval jack is expected to sell for £25,000 ($38,264) at Charles Miller on May 1.
Dating from the Anglo-American war of 1812, and comprising four conjoined bunting strips, the naval jack is offered from a private Belgian collection, having been sold by the descendents of US captain Thomas R Brown (1785-1828) in 1998.
 The historically interesting 15 star naval jack boasts excellent provenance, having been sold by the family of Captain Thomas Brown in 1998 |
The naval jack is offered alongside a portrait of Captain Thomas Brown, believed to have been painted in 1807. Brown was promoted to the rank of captain in 1825. Brown's captain commission was signed by President James Monroe on his final day in office.
Born in Philadelphia, Brown served in the US navy during the conflict.
The 15 star flag was used by the United States between 1795 and 1818. Like the British Royal Navy, American vessels flew three flags: the ensign at the stern, the jack at the prow, and the commission pennant at the main mast. Following British naval tradition, the jack is raised when in port or at anchor.
A unique collection of rare naval flags from the historic battleship USS Constitution broke 11 world records when they sold in the US in April 2012. The 11 flags, which had never been available on the open market before, all achieved world records for their type. A rare 31 star, 16 foot ensign led the sale, bringing $158,000, while a cannonball recovered from the ship made $22,500.
Serious collectors are willing to invest substantial sums in the finest American naval items. Yet only time will tell as to whether this circa 1812 jack will meet its estimate at the forthcoming London auction.
Interested in rare, navel artefacts? We currently have this remarkable collection of Lord Nelson and HMS Victory items in stock.
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