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  CONFEDERATE 1ST NATIONAL (STARS & BARS) PATTERN FLAG, POSSIBLY A NAVAL ENSIGN, WITH 13 LARGE STARS IN A WHIMSICAL WREATH, ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN, 1861-63

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 52.25" x 83"
Flag Size (H x L): 40.25" x 72"
Description....:
CONFEDERATE 1ST NATIONAL (STARS & BARS) PATTERN FLAG, POSSIBLY A NAVAL ENSIGN, WITH 13 LARGE STARS IN A WHIMSICAL WREATH, ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN, 1861-63:

Confederate 1st National pattern (Stars & Bars) flag, made during the opening years of the Civil War, entirely hand-sewn and with 13 stars arranged in a circular wreath configuration that places one star in the very center. This star count reflects the eleven states that officially seceded from the Union, plus the two key Border States that are typically represented on Southern Cross style "Confederate Battle Flags". Kentucky and Missouri each had factions that voted for secession and each ended up with split governments, one Union and one Confederate, which created a key distinction between these and the other Southern-leaning Border States of Delaware, Maryland, and (following its admission to the Union is 1863) West Virginia. The two states were officially adopted by the Confederacy, but always held different position due to their dual status.

The bars and canton are made of wool bunting that has been joined with hand-stitching. The stars are made of cotton, hand-sewn and double-appliqued, meaning that they are applied to both sides. A hand-sewn cotton sleeve binds the hoist end.

Note how the stars are particularly large and appealing. These point in various directions, which adds further visual interest, as does the striking coloration. At approximately 3.5 x 6 feet in length, the size would be small for a Union Army flag, but is rather large among Confederate examples. The purpose of the flag was likely for the Confederate Navy. The weave and color of the red wool bunting is reminiscent of other Confederate examples that I have seen and suspected to be produced for Naval use, while the size and proportions are similar to those of the most frequently seen variety of Union Navy small boat ensigns. Such colors were flown at the stern, from a gaff, or from the yard-arm on a larger vessel, or used as the primary flag on a skiff or other small craft that carried sailors back and forth to shore. These were the smallest flags that the Union Navy generally used, but the flags of the South tended to be smaller by a foot or more in most instances, probably due to lack of appropriate resources. The Confederacy was ill-equip throughout the war.

Many people are surprised to learn that the Confederate Battle Flag or Southern Cross was not the official flag of the Confederate States of America. In its official function, it served only as the Confederate Navy Jack. The Stars & Bars was adopted as the 1st national flag of the Confederacy on March 4th, 1861. Because it too closely resembled the Stars & Stripes, it served poorly as a signal and so was replaced by the 2nd National design on May 1st, 1863. Because this new flag was also poorly designed, a 3rd national flag was introduced in 1865, but the war ended just 36 days later.

Brief Notes on the 1st National Confederate Flag Design: Many people are surprised to learn that the Confederate Battle Flag or Southern Cross was not the official flag of the Confederate States of America. In its official function, this flag served only as the Confederate Navy Jack. The 1st National flag of the Confederacy, affectionately known as the Stars & Bars, was adopted on March 4th, 1861. Because it too closely resembled the Stars & Stripes, it served poorly as a signal and so was replaced by the 2nd National design on May 1st, 1863. Because this new flag was also poorly designed, a 3rd national flag was introduced in 1865, but the war ended just 36 days later.

Condition: There is some minor staining in the white bar and the white cotton of the stars and the hoist. There is very minor mothing in the white bar, but the overall condition of the flag is excellent. It appears to have been very seldom flown, if ever.
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: 1863
State/Affiliation: The Confederacy
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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