October 29, 2009.
It flew at the Battle of Trafalgar and sold for a record-breaking 384,000 pounds, nearly 40 times the auction house's estimate. It is the only surviving Union Jack from the battle. Its 32 bunting panels are littered with holes and even after 200 years, still smells like gunsmoke.
It flew from the HMS Spartrate, the last ship in line behind the HMS Victory. It was originally a French ship captured in 1795 at the Battle of the Nile.
After he Battle of Trafalgar, the crew presented it to Lt. James Clephan for his outstanding performance. The eleven-by-seven foot flag was kept by his family after that, but they have decided to emigrate to Australia and decided to sell it (this should pay for the move). Plus, considering the importance of the battle, it belongs in Britain.
James Clephan, from Fife, Scitland, who was pressed into the British Navy in 1794 at the age of 26. He became a midshipman in 1801 and made a lieutenant after the capture of the French ship Chevrette and a first Lt. after Trafalgar. He was just one of sixteen press-ganged sailors to rise through the ranks of the British Navy.
Here's hoping whoever bought it will allow it to be on public display. Nothing connects with history like an old piece of cloth.
Quite an Interesting Story. --DaCoot
The actual bid was 320,000 pounds, but there was a 20% buyer's premium.
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