Being an exceedingly rare, if not unique, New Jersey cavalry flag consisting of a gold-fringed blue silk ground visible on three sides and painted with a mounted trooper wearing a cavalry helmet sporting a leopard skin band and a white plume; a drawn saber is partially visible while the subject's short jacket has a double row of buttons and at least one epaulette. The flag is presented behind glass in an early 20th century wooden frame with a metal liner. On the glass are the remnants of an exhibition label touting the flag as being "Carried in the Revolutionary War in 1777, by the Somerset County, New Jersey, Independent Light-Horse Troop, commanded by Captain John Stryker, and organized by Major General Lord Alexander Stirling." The subject of this flag, however, definitively belongs to the early 19th century given the trooper's uniform and sideburns. A secondary note on the label states "This flag was one of a pair in possession of the Hon. Abraham Coles, of Scotch Plains, N.J., who presented it to William C. Stanbery, a friend and fellow townsman. Obtained for the 'Adams Collection' through the courtesy of William Stanbery, Junior."

Sight size 28-5/8 x 35-/2 in.

Private North Carolina Collection

This flag last appeared as Lot 40 in Americana / Furniture, Decorations and Clocks." April 1, 1978, Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York. The catalogue will be included with the flag.

Some fading and creasing to the blue silk elements; minor areas of loss; several attempts to stitch splits and stabilize painted elements; the "Revolutionary War Flag" label shows overall browning and loss to the upper right corner. The wooden frame has some nicks and edge wear.