Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  EARLY U.C.V. EXAMPLE WITH A GILDED, 1893 REUNION OVERPRINT, RICHMOND, VA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 11.5" x 14.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 6.75" x 9.75"
Description....:
EARLY U.C.V. EXAMPLE WITH A GILDED, 1893 REUNION OVERPRINT, RICHMOND, VA:

Confederate parade flag in the rectangular format of the design most commonly referred to as the Confederate battle flag or the flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, bearing the Southern Cross and 13 stars. Printed on oilcloth cotton, the flag is overprinted in gold leaf with the following text relating to the 1893 reunion where it was displayed: "RICHMOND VA UCV 1893"

Few Confederate reunion flags have survived with overprinted text, which makes this example very interesting to collectors. Further, this is an extremely early date for a U.C.V. reunion flag. The U.C.V., or United Confederate Veterans, wasn't founded until 1889, after it became more acceptable for the aging members of the former Confederate Army to gather together for purposes relating to their former service. Wikipedia probably gives the best, most concise description of the U.C.V. that I have encountered:

"Prior to 1889, Confederate veterans had no national organization similar to the Grand Army of the Republic [the primary veterans's association for the Union Army]. Several separate fraternal and memorial groups existed on a local and regional level. Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1889, several of these groups united and formed the United Confederate Veterans Association. The organization was founded to serve as a benevolent, historical, social, and literary association. The UCV was active well into 1940's.

The primary functions of the organization were to provide for widows and orphans of former Confederate soldiers, preserve relics and mementos, care for disabled former soldiers, preserve a record of the service of its members, and organize reunions and fraternal gatherings. At its height, membership in the organization was approximately 160,000 former Confederate soldiers organized into 1,885 local camps. The UCV produced a magazine called Confederate Veteran with articles about events during the war and providing a forum for lost comrades to locate one another."

There were many Confederate flag designs and almost uncountable variations. Many people are surprised to learn that this particular one, which is by far the most readily identified in modern times, was not the national flag of the Confederate States of America. There were three different national flags over the course of the war, all of which were carried in battle by various units, in addition to many other styles. Today "The Confederate Battle Flag", as it is often called, is the most recognized format, probably because it was carried by General Lee's Army and perhaps because it was the design best loved by soldiers. It was certainly the most widely used flag in veteran's reunions, and has been further popularized in movies and elsewhere in American culture.

Mounting: The beveled profile molding dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. The veneered mahogany surface has been painted gold and has a great, well-worn patination that serves as a great compliment to the flag. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: Remnants of the original glue used to affix the flag to its original staff are present on the hoist. There is minor fading, but there are no further significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1893
Latest Date of Origin: 1893
State/Affiliation: Virginia
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: sold
 

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