WESTPORT, Conn. >> Pages from a ship’s log from June 1846 describing California’s famous “Bear Flag Revolt” that led to the state’s breakaway from Mexico and eventual statehood, and a set of Thomas Bowles 1720 South Sea Bubble playing cards that chronicled the original stock market crash in England, are expected highlights in University Archives’ November 7th auction.
The “Bear Flag Revolt” lot, with an estimate of $30,000-$40,000, is a critical piece of California state history. It’s a first-hand account, upfront and personal, likely written by a bi-lingual ship’s mate, describing American army officer and explorer John C. Fremont’s arrival at Sutter’s Fort, near modern-day Sacramento, in spring 1846, where he encouraged an armed rebellion to wrest control of the state from Mexico, which loosely controlled it at the time, and push for statehood.
The set of South Sea Bubble cards, the finest set known, was first published by Thomas Bowles in London in 1720. The cards bear satirical portrayals, in cartoon form, of the speculators who were involved in various commercial projects started during the South Seas Bubble of that year. They provide a unique historical record of the reckless stock traders of the time, whose actions led to a market crash in England. They also depicted the day’s fashions (est. $40,000-$60,000).
The 226-lot, online-only auction is an assemblage of autographed documents, rare books, relics and manuscripts. The catalog can be viewed now, at www.universityarchives.com, with internet bidding provided by Invaluable.com. The sale is packed with important, scarce and collectible signed documents and other items relating to some of the most revered names in all of history.
