by Jeff Bridgman
A paper written for “Focus”, the semi-annual journal of the Antiques Council
Over the past years Americans have witnessed events that have triggered surges in patriotism unlike any we have seen since the Bicentennial in 1976. A growing interest in antique American flags
was already blossoming when 9-11 darkened our hearts, forcing us to re-think and re-group, rallying around a cause to protect the freedom our flag represents. This was followed by 2 landmark flag
auctions at Sotheby’s in New York, and then the war in Iraq.
All of these events led people to dig to find the forgotten flags stored in their attics, to pull them out for displaying or to sell, and to call and inquire about the many flags I had for
sale. It’s been both good and bad. On one hand my sales increased by 20 or 30 percent. On the other I have been offered so much merchandise that I can’t possibly buy it all. That’s
tough for a flag addict. Increased revenues did not equal money spent during such patriotic times, but life was generally good and definitely interesting.
When antiques long stored come out of the woodwork it is always exciting. The other day I opened a box of flags sent to me to evaluate for purchase and my blood raced. My heart stopped a couple
of times. My jaw dropped more than once. Every hair on my body stood up. And I remembered why I work night and day to find, conserve, and place these great relics of our past in good homes.
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