Imagine the opportunity to bid on four rare flags from the U.S.
Revolutionary War. On June 14, bidders at Sotheby’s were given such an
opportunity. These four historic pieces of Americana crushed their pre-sale
estimates and sold for a combined total of $17.3 million dollars.

According to Sotheby’s the four flags were purchased via phone by a bidder
whom wishes to remain anonymous. The flags were taken as war trophies by
Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton of the British cavalry.

The key highlight of the auction was the flag of the 2^nd
Continental Light Dragoons which was captured in Westchester County, New York on
July 2, 1779. This rare Revolutionary War flag sold for $12.3 million dollars
and is considered the earliest surviving American flag to display 13 red and
white stripes.