An 1844 Native American Party flag owned by leader Henry Clay carries an estimate of $15,000-20,000 ahead of a sale of Americana and political artefacts.

The lot will cross the block at Heritage Auctions in Dallas on May 24.

The Native American Party was formed to oppose Catholic immigration

The party was formed in opposition to Catholic immigrants and the Irish in particular - who were seen as having a detrimental effect on the Protestant foundations of America.

Support for the movement dropped off in 1860, largely due to differing attitudes to slavery.

Clay (1777-1852), one of the founding members of the party, is said to have proudly displayed the flag outside his home in Lexington, Kentucky.

Sign up here to get access to our free newsletter.