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  CONFEDERATE PARADE FLAG IN THE SQUARE, SOUTHERN CROSS OR "BATTLE FLAG" FORMAT OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, 1900-1940

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 18.75" x 19.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 12" x 12.5"
Description....:
CONFEDERATE PARADE FLAG IN THE SQUARE, SOUTHERN CROSS OR "BATTLE FLAG" FORMAT OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, 1900-1940:

Confederate battle-style parade flag, printed on cotton, made sometime during the 1900-1940 era. Many people are surprised to learn that the Southern Cross, by itself, was not the national flag of the Confederate States of America. Officially, in rectangular format, it served as the Confederate Navy Jack. In square format it came to be called "the battle flag", partly because it was carried in this format, for that purpose by Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia, as well as by Beauregard's Army and others. It also received widespread love in the South because the three successive national flag designs were not particularly admired by Confederate soldiers.

This particular flag, with its white border, mimics the basic style produced in Richmond in seven consecutive issues with slight variations. In all likelihood the flag was either have been made for use by the United Confederate Veterans (UCV), which formed in 1889 and served as the primary post-war organization for Confederate soldiers, or for the Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), which was established in 1884 and thus actually pre-dated the men. Few Confederate flags can be found that date to this era, partly because public celebration of war service by Southerners was slow to come and partly because of the poverty that plagued the South after the Civil War, which persisted for many years. That changed with the arrival of the new century and as time passed, which led to an escalation in Confederate flag production.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding dates to the period between 1860 and 1890 and thus actually pre-dates the flag. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was 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. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are holes along the hoist end, with associated rust stains, where the flag was affixed to its original wooden staff. There is minor foxing and staining elsewhere. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1900
Latest Date of Origin: 1940
State/Affiliation: The Confederacy
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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