| 7 STARS WITH WHIMSICAL PROFILES ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG, MADE TO REFLECT THE INITIAL WAVE OF 7 STATES SECEDED FROM THE UNION, A CIVIL WAR PERIOD EXAMPLE, THE LARGEST OF SEVERAL KNOWN VARIETIES, MADE circa 1861 |
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| Web ID: | 7j-888 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 9.5" x 11.5" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 3.5" x 6" |
| Description: | |
| 7 star American national-style parade flag, block-printed on coarse, glazed cotton, made to commemorate the first wave of Confederate States to seceded from the Union. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that is comprised of a wreath of 6, with a single star in the center. With irregular profiles and somewhat elongated arms, like the rowels of a spur, note how this adds an interesting folk quality to the flag’s presentation. Each state admitted into the Confederate States of America (CSA), that seceded by some sort of official, legislative measure, voted independently. Led by South Carolina, which did so on December 17th, 1860, there would be 11 of these in total by early summer, ending with Tennessee, the legislature of which voted on May 6th, 1861, ratified by a vote of the people on June 8th, and adopted into the CSA on July 2nd. The count of 7 stars present on this flag reflects those states that left in what is known as the “initial wave of secession.” This coincided with a joint vote to adopt the CSA’s provisional constitution by 6 states, which took place in Montgomery, Alabama on February 7th, 1861 and was ratified the following day. In addition to South Carolina, the corresponding states included, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. Although Texas was also expected to be present, its delegates failed to arrive in time. Universally considered to be in full favor, it was honorably, if unofficially included. The first delegate from Texas took his seat on February 15th, followed by another on the 19th, and the remaining 5 on March 2nd, at which time the state’s admittance was formally recorded. While Northern children waved 13 star flags and flags with the full star count, some of their Southern counterparts waved 7 and 8 star flags (to include Virginia secession) as a subtle means of displaying Confederate loyalties. Many surviving examples of 7 star parade flags are not war period, but instead made after the fact, at a time when it was ill-advised to display Confederate flags in public. This is an 1861 example and equivalent to the largest of several known versions. Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples. The gilded American molding dates to the period between 1840 and 1860. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass. Feel free to contact us for further details. Condition: There is golden brown age toning throughout. Tiny pieces of 19th century fabric of the same variety were used to mend a small nick of fabric loss in the white area in the top corner of the hoist end, and a minor hole in the 2nd white stripe, approx.. 2/3 of the way across. There are a couple of tiny holes near the fly end of the first white stripe. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts |
| Flag Type: | Parade flag |
| Star Count: | 07 |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1861 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1861 |
| State/Affiliation: | The Confederacy |
| War Association: | 1861-1865 Civil War |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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