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

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 8.5" x 10.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 3.75" x 5.75"
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 13 star parade flags and flags with the full star count, some of their southern counterparts waved 7 and 8 star flags as a subtle means of displaying Confederate loyalties. While those with 7 stars are the most common, many surviving examples are not war period, but instead made after the fact, at a time when it was ill-advised to display Confederate flags in public. 8 star examples are far more rare, and all that I have encountered in this star count are war-period.

Mounting: The gilded molding dates to the period between 1840 and 1860. This is a pressure mount between 100% cotton and u.v. protective acrylic. The black fabric has been washed to reduce excess dye. An acid free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose.

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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