Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  8 STARS, CONFEDERATE SYMPATHIZER, VIRGINIA SECESSION, EXTREMELY SCARCE, 1861

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 16" x 12"
Flag Size (H x L): 3.75" x 5.75" on 10" staff
Description....:
8 star American national-style parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton and affixed to its original wooden staff. This flag was made during the Civil War period to commemorate Virginia's secession from the Union. On April 17th, 1861, Virginia became the 8th Confederate state to secede, following the initial wave of 7 states that had taken place on the preceding February 4th. The stars of the flag are arranged in a medallion configuration with a single, slightly larger star in the center to represent Virginia.

While northern children waved their 13 star flags and flags with the full star count, some of their southern counterparts waved 7, 8, and possibly 9 star flags as a subtle means of displaying their Confederate loyalties. Parade flags with 7 stars are the most common. Most are not war period, but made after the fact, during a time when it was ill-advised to wave confederate flags in public. Those with 9 stars are much scarcer and most, like their 7-star counterparts, are of post-war production. 8 star parade flags, on the other hand, are extremely rare and I have seen fewer than fifteen examples, all of which are war-period.

Mounting: The flag was stitched to 100% cotton rag mat and placed in a black painted frame with a gold liner that dates to the period between 1890 and 1920. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: There is minor foxing and staining, accompanied by moderate losses in the white stripes. This is a very rare example, however, and many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 08
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1861
State/Affiliation: Virginia
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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