PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Freeman’s A Grand Old Flag: The Stars and Stripes Collection of Dr. Peter J. Keim auction held on 24 November 2019 was a great success, with overall sales totaling $795,241. Active bidders on the nearly 200 lots of historic American Flags and Flag-related artifacts included institutions, private collectors, and dealers from across the country. Prior to the auction, highlights from the Keim Collection were exhibited in Boston, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia.

Significant auction highlights included a 28-Star ‘Great Star’ American flag commemorating Texas Statehood, circa 1846 (Lot 29), which sold for an impressive $68,750 against a presale estimate of $15,000-25,000, a 41-Star American Flag commemorating Montana Statehood, circa 1889 (Lot 83) which sold for $41,250, over 10 times its original estimate of $4,000-6,000, and a 13-Star ‘Great-Star’ pattern American Flag dating from the late 18th/early 19th century (Lot 3) which sold for $33,750 against a presale estimate of $15,000-25,000. Other remarkable results included a 13-Star American Flag, circa 1861 (Lot 6) which brought a hefty $28,750 against a $5,000-10,000 estimate, a 35-Star ‘Free Soil Party’ parade flag, circa 1860 (Lot 53) sold for $31,250 against a $12,000-22,000 estimate, and a 26-Star ‘Great Luminary’ American Flag commemorating Michigan Statehood, circa 1840 (Lot 26) that sold for $26,250 over an $8,000-12,000 estimate, a 27-Star American Flag commemorating Florida Statehood, circa 1860 (Lot 28) that also sold for $26,250 against an $8,000-12,000 estimate, as well as a 24-Star American Flag commemorating Missouri Statehood, circa 1822 (Lot 22) which sold for over 5 times its original estimate of $5,000-7,000, realizing $25,000.

The consignor, Dr. Peter J. Keim wrote after the conclusion of the auction, “After 45 years of collecting, sharing, and caring for Stars and Stripes, I decided to part with my “old friends.” The folks at Freeman’s, Philadelphia based auction house, have been marvelous partners. Their patriotic spirit and respect for the Flag was a perfect fit. From day one of planning through the final gavel, it has been a memorable experience. Freeman’s exceeded my expectations at every step along the way. FIFTY STARS!”

Highlights led by:

Lot 29 | A 28-Star ‘Great Star’ American Flag commemorating Texas Statehood, circa 1846. Sells for $68,750

Lot 83 | A 41-Star American Flag commemorating Montana Statehood, circa 1889. Sells for $41,250 **Over 10 times presale low estimate**

Lot 3 | A 13-Star ‘Great-Star’ pattern American Flag, late 18th/early 19th century. Sells for $33,750

Lot 53 | A 35-Star ‘Free Soil Party’ parade flag, circa 1860. Sells for $31,250

Lot 6 | A 13-Star American Flag, circa 1861. Sells for $28,750 **Over 5 times presale low estimate**

Lot 26 | A 26-Star ‘Great Luminary’ American Flag commemorating Michigan Statehood, circa 1840. Sells for $26,250

Lot 28 | A 27-Star American Flag commemorating Florida Statehood, circa 1860. Sells for $26,250

Lot 22 | A 24-Star American Flag commemorating Missouri Statehood, circa 1822. Sells for $25,000 **5 times presale low estimate**