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  LARGE SCALE, PRINTED SILK KERCHIEF FEATURING CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS AND EIGHT OF HIS STAFF, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, EXTREMELY RARE AND THE ONLY KNOWN STYLE PRODUCED FOR THE CONFEDERACY

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 44.5" x 47"
Flag Size (H x L): 32.5" x 35”
Description....:
LARGE SCALE, PRINTED SILK KERCHIEF FEATURING CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS AND EIGHT OF HIS STAFF, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, EXTREMELY RARE AND THE ONLY KNOWN STYLE PRODUCED FOR THE CONFEDERACY:

On February 9, 1861, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was elected Provisional President of the Confederate States of America and Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia was elected Provisional Vice President. Both men took office on February 18, 1861 for a six-year term that was supposed to last from February 22, 1862 – February 22, 1868.

Printed on silk and in the sort of large scale that typifies pre-1876 designs, this rare variety of American political kerchief is truly unique. In the center is a portrait of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, surrounded by Southern foliage. Davis is flanked north, south, east and west by portraits of Confederate General Joe Johnston, Navy Commander Raphael Semmes (Captain of the Confederate raider Alabama), Minister to Napoleon III, John Slidell, and Minister to Queen Victoria, James Murray Mason. He is flanked in each corner by Confederate Generals John Hunt Morgan (Morgan’s Raiders), Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and P.G.T. Beauregard. Note the nearly beardless portrait of Jackson and that of the completely beardless Lee, which suggest early war production. The presence of Slidell and Mason also suggest that it was made early in the war. These two men were victims of an 1861 incident known as the “Trent Affair”, in which they were captured by the Union Navy on their respective routes to Paris and London.

Jefferson’s portrait comes from a photograph by famed photographer Matthew Brady, engraved by H. B. Hall and published by E. Anthony in New York City before 1861. Lee’s image is from an original photo taken by the Bendann Brothers in Baltimore and engraved by an unknown artist. It is likely that the other portraits come from similar photographs.

The bright purple color is likely a product of new synthetic aniline dyes used in British textile works after 1856. The first of these was created from coal tar in that year and produced a bright mauve or purple close to the shade of this handkerchief. The color is notable, not only because it represents innovation in the textile industry, but also because it is not shared with any other American presidential kerchiefs or banners. Across all known styles, this is the only war-period design that features President Davis. Due to this fact, surviving copies represent the only possible means by which a collector of political textiles can truly own a period example from every American president.

Mounting: This is a sandwich mount between 100% cotton velvet and U.V. protective acrylic. The Italian molding is black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed.

Condition: There is some water staining, accompanied by minor fading, minor splitting, and some tiny holes. Many of my clients prefer early flags and textiles to show their age and history of use. Further, the great rarity of this particular textile warrants almost any condition.
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
Flag Type:
Star Count:
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
 

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