Crazy for...Red, White and Blue

The real deal: a thirteen star American flag,
up for bidding on June 23rd, estimate $4,000-6,000

It's that time of year again: that time of picnics and patriotism, of frankfurters and fireworks. And despite all the wankers and Weiners that seem to dominate the Capitol dome, it's hard not to get a bit caught up in the nationalistic fervor.

Cowan's Auction in Cincinnati certainly fans the flames. This respected auction house has an upcoming American History Sale, featuring items from the Civil War.

The center plate of this patriotic shield is removable. At auction June 23rd,
estimate $1,000-$1,500. 

Of all the many flag items in this sale, my favorite piece has to be this patriotic wooden shield, circa 1909. It is an impressive size (18x 23.5), with a great design, but my favorite part is that the central photo is interchangeable! You get eight prints of notable American figures, including Washington, Jefferson and Paul Revere. (And why not add your own designs for birthdays and special events--who wouldn't like a moment in the spotlight?)  At Cowan's on June 23rd, estimate $1,000-1,500.

1880 double sided auction sign. Sold for $425 on June 21st.

Okay, I'm cheating. This great, red white and blue 1880 barber shop sign sold at an auction yesterday for $425. I wanted to include it anyway, because things like this can add such great interest to a room. Case in point, this children's room below, which was featured in Elle Decor.

photo: Simon Upton, designers: Anne-Marie Midy and George Almada, courtesy of Elle Decor.

Thinking about our nation's birth always leads me to cowboys, indians and the glorious Wild West. I guess I'd better giddy on up to the Denver Old West Auction then, June 24th-26th, offered by Brian Lebel's Old West Show and Auction, where these Buffalo Ranch vintage lithographs, circa 1910, are up for bidding, estimate $1,500-2,500.

C. 1910 Buffalo Ranch lithographs, estimate $1,500-2,500.

I also love this vintage rodeo cowgirl poster, at the same Denver auction (along with a LOT of boots and spurs), with an estimate of $700-900.

Rodeo Cowgirl poster, estimate $700-900.

"Cabinet cards" are photographic studio portraits, typically 4.5" x 6.5," that were taken between the years of 1860-1900--that is, until the affordable Kodak Box Brownie came along and killed off the practice. They got their name because the cherished portraits would be displayed in a living room cabinet. Today, cabinet cards are highly collected and can be expensive (but, of course, you can sell them for a lot as well). If you're going to display one, how about Annie Oakley? Just look at all her shiny shooting medals!

Annie Oakley cabinet card, at auction June 23rd, estimate $800-1,000.

Or perhaps these gorgeous gentlemen are more your style...

Baker and Johnson cabinet cards of American Indians,
at auction June 23rd, estimate $2-3,000.

I always feel so wistful about American Indians. I love looking at their beautiful clothing and headresses. Capo Auction has two fine sets of prints in their June 25th sale. A set of four prints, one of which is shown below (which I love, even though it is showing evidence of foxing), and a set of five, which you can see here.

Set of four American Indian prints, at auction June 25th,
  estimate $400-600.

Getting back to cowgirls: how fun is this lot of ephemera, thirty five items in all, of professional cowgirl Lucyle Richards? 

Photos and other ephemera of professional cowgirl Lucyle Richards. Up for bidding in Cincinnati on June 23rd, estimate $1,000-1,500.

Or perhaps you'd prefer cowboys...

Large lot of western photographs, at auction June 24-26th, estimate $700-900.

Now on to the important stuff: how will you showcase your new wins? 

photo: Laura Resen, Nannette Brown bedroom, courtesy of Elle Decor

A high ceiling was made for a vast collection. Note how the matching frames help pull disparate items together.

The offices of Lonny magazine, courtesy of Lonny.

This pin board is in an office. But an elegant assemblage of your ever changing collection could work in so many places.

photo:William Waldron, designer: Paul Ludick, courtesy of Elle Decor.

A narrow kids' room is enlivened by a colorful assortment of prints and drawings, above. And, below, my favorite of all: pages taken from Cabinet of Natural Curiosities by Albertus Seba line a guest bathroom--lucky guests! (By the way, Seba's book makes an excellent coffee table item as well as a hostess present. There are many versions, one option is available here.) But before you can decorate, you have to bid, so get going. Happy hunting, everyone--and Happy 4th!  (But you'll hear from me again before then.)

photo: William Waldron,
designer: Steven Gambrel,
courtesy of Elle Decor.