The Sunday Edit | Exploring the Collectibles Market on Memorial Day: A Timeless Tribute
Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend of barbecues and bargain sales. Started just after the Civil War, this designated date serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our military brothers and sisters. As we commemorate this important day, let's take a closer look at the collectibles market, which offers a unique opportunity to preserve history and pay tribute to our heroes.
Jasper Johns’s 1983 Flag trounced its $15 million-to-$20 million estimate, selling for $36 million with premium in November 2014 at Sotheby's. Source: ArtNews.
Memorial Day Collectibles
From uniforms, military medals and patches, vintage photographs, and letters to commemorative coins, flags, posters, and artwork, each piece tells a story. Beyond their sentimental value, rare and well-preserved items often appreciate in value over time, making them attractive for collectors and investors alike. It's essential to research and understand the market dynamics before delving into this aspect of collecting.
Exhibition photograph by Xiomaro from At Home with George, on view at the Morris Museum now until July 30, 2023. Source: Morris Museum
Morristown has a rich Revolutionary War history. George Washington established two winter encampments here. As we approach Memorial Day, the Morris Museum pays tribute to the holiday with At Home With George, an exhibition of contemporary fine art photographs of Washington’s military headquarters at the Ford Mansion, the site of the nation's first historical park established by Congress and President Herbert Hoover within the National Park System. On view now until July 30, 2023, the exhibition features photographs by Xiomaro (“ready for battle”), the artist commissioned by the National Park Service over five years to create the first and only artistic photographic collection of Morristown National Historical Park. For the past 12 years, Xiomaro has specialized in photographing iconic historical sites to raise awareness of their history, culture, and natural beauty.
U.S. Simeon North Model 1816 Flintlock Pistol, Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria, Signature Auction, June 19, 2023, Heritage Auctions. Source: Heritage Auctions.
American Civil War Memorabilia
The American Civil War, one of the defining chapters in U.S. history, continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts. In 2023, the auction world witnessed a remarkable showcase of Civil War memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the past and preserving the legacy of this pivotal era. The allure lies in its ability to transport us to a bygone era.
Emancipation Proclamation original copy, signed by Abraham Lincoln, sold at Robert Siegel Auction Galleries in New York for $2.1 million in June 2012. Source: The Christian Science Monitor.
The auction market has become a prime venue for collectors to acquire these tangible pieces of history, perpetuating their significance and ensuring their preservation for future generations. Among the notable items were General Robert E. Lee's war sword, which fetched an astonishing $450,000, and President Abraham Lincoln's signed Emancipation Proclamation document, which sold for an impressive $1.2 million. Other prized artifacts were rare battle flags, soldier diaries, and even original battlefield maps, all commanding significant attention and bidding activity.
First US battlefield map of Guadalcanal, Forces landed 7 and 8th August 1942, World War II 70th Anniversary Sale, April 2015, Bonhams. Source: Bonhams.
The rarity and historical significance of these artifacts make them highly sought-after by collectors and investors alike. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and seek expert guidance to navigate the complexities of this market successfully. Provenance and condition remain significant characteristics of value. Our neighborhood is rich with information about military memorabilia, firearms, photography, and values and the professionals that can guide you.
-Authored by Lynn Magnusson, President; Edited by Heather Zises, Marketing Director
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