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  13 Star American National Flag, Civil War Period, Oval 3rd Maryland Design

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 51.75" x 79.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 42" x 69.5"
Description....:
13 star American national flag of the Civil War period (1861-1865), with an oval wreath of twelve stars, surrounding a larger center star. This star design is commonly referred to as the 3rd Maryland pattern and is very desirable due to both its attractiveness and the scarcity of its use. The name comes from a flag that was thought to have been present with General Daniel Morgan and the Maryland Light at the battle of Cowpens in 1781, carried by Color Sergeant William Batchelor. But the Cowpens flag, which now resides at the state capital in Annapolis, was later discovered to be of Mexican War origin (1846-48) at the earliest. A similar flag, in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of History & Technology, was also carried during the Mexican War, belonging to the Maryland and District of Columbia Battalion of Volunteers. Most flags in this pattern that have survived until present day were made between this time period and the Civil War. The design is rarely seen post-war, though it was reproduced on occasion in small flags made during the first quarter of the 20th century. 13 star flags were carried during the Mexican and Civil Wars as a throwback to the nation's victorious struggle for freedom and independence during the revolution. Stenciled along the flag's canvas hoist in bold, black letters, on its reverse side, are the words "BABBIT POST, G.A.R." The Grand Army of the Republic (founded 1866) was the primary organization for Union, Civil War vets. Similar to the VFW and the American Legion, but more fraternal in nature, members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, gathered for reunions, marched in parades, and participated in a great variety of social functions. The Babbitt Post of the G.A.R. was located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was named for Lawrence S. Babbitt, a West Point Cadet and 1st Lt. in the 3rd Massachusetts Artillery, who showed "gallant and meritorious service" at the 1st Battle of Bull Run (Virginia, 1861). The flag was presented to the Babbitt Post sometime following the war and remained in its possession until 1975. Logic would suggest that this flag belonged to a soldier or family in the Boston area. The flag was probably made by a family member of a soldier, and presented to either that soldier or his entire unit. Although it could have been carried during the war, it likely did not see extended use because the flag remains in such an excellent state of preservation, with few holes and losses. INQUIRE FOR FULL DESCRIPTION
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: No
 

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