American flag signed by Neil Armstrong among unusual American items to go under auction hammer in Brussels

Belgian collectors of American artworks and memorabilia are increasingly parting ways with their curiosities, according to Arenberg Auctions.

The Brussels auction house says it has received more American collectibles than usual in recent months.

Its upcoming sale on 26 and 27 March features several American objects and works that are rarely, if ever, offered at auction. These include a 48-star American flag from World War II, signed by Neil Armstrong, an unusual catalogue from the first exhibition of American pop art icon Keith Haring, and finally the first French book (dating from 1784) to chronicle the American War of Independence and in which the term “United States” is used for the first time.

“The growing supply of American items is striking. Is this due to the antics of Trump and Bill White? Is the war in Iran the straw that broke the camel’s back, causing weariness toward the United States? Or is it simply seen as a favourable market for selling?” comments Henri Godts, an Arenberg Auctions expert.

American flag

It was in the 1980s that Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) visited the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne. The imposing site overlooking the Ardennes town was erected in memory of American soldiers who fell during the Battle of the Bulge at the end of World War Two.

It was here that Armstrong solemnly signed a 48-star American flag (pictured, main image) that had been in use between 1912 and 1959 when Alaska and Hawaii were not yet part of the United States. This was no ordinary flag, but one left in Belgium by the American Allies during the war, explains the auction house.

The flag signed by Armstrong had remained in the possession of renowned resistance fighter and honorary citizen of Bastogne, Georges Galand (1920-2007). After the signing, he presented it to Robert Fergloute (1939-2016), historian and secretary of the Royal Circle of History and Archaeology of Bastogne.

“Its value is provisionally estimated at around €1,000, but it will certainly increase,” remarks Godt.

Keith Haring’s ‘Colouring Book”

This original catalogue by Keith Haring (1958-1990) dates from his very first exhibition in New York in 1982 when the pop artist was still little-known. This wasn't a simple catalogue; it was presented in the form of a colouring book for children who might need some distraction during the exhibition. All 32 of its pages feature works by Haring himself. The lot’s sale price is estimated at €1,500.

"At the time, the idea was that this catalogue could also be colored by children. This isn't the case with this copy, which gives it great historical value," explains Henri Godts… A lot of people are snapping up anything Keith Haring-related,” Godts notes.

The artist’s work was presented in a retrospective at Bozar in Brussels from December 2019 to July 2020. Haring played a key role in counterculture by creating an instantly recognisable style, he is principally  known for his iconic motifs such as barking dogs, crawling babies and flying saucers.

First mention of “the United States” in France

The third noteworthy item in Arenberg’s “American series” is a rare war relic, the first French book (dating from 1784) that describes and illustrates the American Revolution and the struggle for independence (1775–1783) in detail.

As the first known document in France that officially mentions “the United States” its content provides an idea of how America was perceived in Europe at the time. It’s estimated sale price is €1,500.

Photos: Auction items ©Arenberg Auctions; Mardasson Memorial ©Bastogne War Museum