Lot 164

[CIVIL WAR - FLAGS]. Paper flag promoting the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at Boston, Massachusetts. Ca 1884-1892.

Sale 1250 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Nov 30, 2023 10:00AM ET

Live / Cincinnati

Estimate

$2,500 - $3,000

Sold for $2,394

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

[CIVIL WAR - FLAGS]. Paper flag promoting the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at Boston, Massachusetts. Ca 1884-1892.

4 3/4 x 6 3/4 in. paper flag with canton featuring an image of the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Center (toning, scattered spotting, some creasing and chipping to edges). With the following printed beside the graphic: "Boston Cyclorama Co. 541 Trenton Street, 'Battle of Gettysburg.'"

A rare advertising piece.

Cycloramas, a type of 360 degree cylindrical painting, were popular entertainment in the 1870s and 1880s. The intended effect is to immerse the viewer in the scene being depicted, often with the addition of foreground models and life-sized replicas to enhance the illusion.

One of the most popular was Phillipe Philppoteaux’s painting of Pickett’s charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. The second version opened in Boston on 22 December 1884, and for the next eight years was viewed by approximately 200,000 people. This flag has an image of the exhibit building and directions and was used as a piece of advertising for the Boston exhibition.

Following its showing in Boston, the cyclorama was displayed in New York, Washington DC, and Baltimore before being transported to Gettysburg where it has been on display at the Gettysburg National Military Park since 1913.

J. Richard Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags

Condition Report

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