The Battles of Saratoga (September 19 and October 7, 1777) conclusively decided the fate of British General John Burgoyne's army in the American War of Independence and is generally regarded as a turning point in the war. The battles were fought eighteen days apart on the same ground, 9 miles (14 km) south of Saratoga, New York. Burgoyne's campaign to divide New England from the southern colonies had started well, but slowed due to logistical problems. He won a small tactical victory over General Horatio Gates and the Continental Army in the September 19 Battle of Freeman's Farm at the cost of significant casualties. His gains were erased when he again attacked the Americans in the October 7 Battle of Bemis Heights and the Americans captured a portion of the British defenses. Burgoyne was therefore compelled to retreat, and his army was surrounded by much larger America force at Saratoga, forcing him to surrender on October 17. News of Burgoyne's surrender was instrumental in formally bringing France into the war as an American ally, although it had previously given supplies, ammunition and guns, notably the de Valliere cannon, which played an important role in Saratoga. Formal participation by France changed the war to a global conflict. This battle also resulted in Spain contributing to the war on the American side. The town of Stillwater furnished the field for the Battles of Bemis Heights - or Saratoga and half of the 13th Albany Militia Regiment that helped defeat the British on October 7, 1777.

This display includes blue and red silk fragments that originated from a Revolutionary War flag used at the Battle of Saratoga. A 1943 note states that these fragments once hung in the lobby of the White Sulphur Springs Hotel in Stillwater, NY near the site of the Battle of Saratoga. A notation on the back of the frame dated July 11th, 1938 states that these fragments hung in the lobby of the aforementioned hotel in Stillwater, NY. The 1943 note states that there were once several Revolutionary War flags hanging in the lobby, but souvenir hunters cut the flags to pieces over the years and these remnants were framed and were all that was kept by owner Thomas Luther by the reception desk for many years. This was the second hotel at that location, the first burning prior to 1859 then rebuilt about 1874 and finally closing in 1940 after Luther died in 1937. The 1857 date on the first notation under the flags obviously notes that the flags originated from the owner of the first hotel.

Under the terms of Burgoyne's surrender the British were allowed to keep their colors so these fragments either came from a captured British flag or an American flag. Provisions of the agreement were broken by both parties and these remnants were sold at auction by Butterfield & Butterfield of San Francisco in Auction #16 March 19th, 1994 [copy of description included).

11" X 14" double matted with Federal gold suede and royal blue trim. The display will fit any standard 11" X 14" frame. Accompanied by a detailed certificate of provenance.

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