1864 Civil War Black regimental flag rises to $196,800 at Morphy`s
(Artdaily.org)

An 1864 Civil War flag that was carried into battle by Pennsylvania’s 127th Regiment of “Colored Troops” led the charge at Morphy’s June 12-13 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria auction, selling for $196,800. The buyer was the Atlanta History Center of Atlanta, Georgia. The 72- by 55-inch hand-painted silk flag is the sole survivor from 11 original regimental flags created by David Bustill Bowser (1820-1890), a Philadelphia artist and son of a fugitive slave. Bowser designed a specific flag for each of Pennsylvania’s 11 Black regiments. The distinctive artwork on the flag auctioned by Morphy’s features the image of a Black soldier bidding farewell to Columbia, the Goddess of Liberty. Above the artwork, a poignant motto reads: “WE WILL PROVE OURSELVES MEN.” Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions in Lancaster County,