May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Beautifully painted colorful central panel of a New Hampshire militia battalion flag, oil paint on white linen. The 1784 state seal of New Hampshire is in an oval cartouche at center, flanked by a laurel wreath of leaves and berries, and topped by a five-pointed star on a glory background in gold and brown. The seal depicts a warship under construction on stocks at left with water extending into the distance at right, where a rising sun with long rays disperses storm clouds overhead. Construction materials are on the ground beside the ship, which flies along commissioning pennant on the main mast and U.S. naval ensign at the stern. The central cartouche is bordered by a blue band with gold and brown shaded borders, and lettering reading, “1784 SIGILLUM REPUBLICAE HATONIENSIS.” A horizontal oval below the state seal reads “1st Battn./ N-H / 2d REGT.” rendered in gold on medium on a medium blue ground, shadowed in subdued gold and brown. The flag dates to the December 1792 decision of the state legislature that regiments of the militia would consist of two battalions (under the command of majors,) with the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment composed of the companies in the towns of Dover and Somersworth. The regiment was assigned to state’s second brigade, itself part of the second division, and allowed “one standard and one suit of regimental colors,” with appropriate inscriptions at state expense. This was modified 17 June 1793 to specify one standard for each regiment and one suit of regimental colors for each battalion. Commanders of the first battalion are known to have been Major Andrew Wentworth in 1796 and Daniel Henderson in 1808 and 1812. The flag is a great combination of art and history dating to the new Republic setting foot on the international stage and rising tensions with France in the Quasi-War and again with Britain, resulting in the War of 1812. CONDITION: Excellent. Professionally conserved in an oval frame and a very displayable size. Bright colors with minor paint losses along old fold lines at left on the ship and extending from the right at two points. Perimeter irregularly trimmed to retain all of the wreath. Horizontal seam visible at top.
CORRECTION: Photos updated.