Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  CONFEDERATE FIRST NATIONAL, "STARS & BARS" PARADE FLAG, 1920-1950

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 21.25" x 26.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.25" x 17.75"
Description....:
CONFEDERATE 1ST NATIONAL, "STARS & BARS" PARADE FLAG, 1920-1950:

This 1st National design Confederate flag, commonly known as the "Stars & Bars", was probably made sometime in the WWII era, maybe slightly afterward. The fabric is probably rayon (which was invented in Belleville, Pennsylvania in the teens). It's an unusual example, which I have rarely ever seen in this fabric and size.

The flag's 7 stars represent the 7 states that left the Union in the initial wave of secession in 1861. The 7th of these was Texas, officially, though 7 star examples are sometimes produced to demonstrate the origin of the war and the original flag of the Confederacy with its 7 stars, that would later grow to 8, 9, 10, and 11 as four more states followed, and even 12 or 13 if the two border states, Kentucky and Missouri, which had split governments, were also included.

A Brief History of Confederate Flag Designs: For those unfamiliar with the history of the various designs of Confederate flag, know that the traditional Southern Cross with 13 stars, which is widely recognizable by most Americans as the Confederate flag, was not actually one of the three successive national flags of the Confederate States of America, despite its modern popularity. It actually began life as the Confederate Navy Jack, but with a rectangular profile instead of square, used to mark Confederate Navy ships. The square format was an adaptation for land use and was carried by Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, Beauregard's army, and others.

The Confederacy had three successive national designs, known as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Confederate National Flags. The first of these, the Stars & Bars, which was replaced because it looked too much like the Stars & Stripes on the battlefield to be as effective as it should have been as a signal.

The second Confederate flag was white in color, with the Southern Cross serving as its canton. Soldiers hated this design because it looked too much like a surrender flag, and, if given the opportunity, they would dip the end in blood. A red vertical stripe was later added at the fly end, and the result was adopted as the 3rd national design. This final configuration was used for only 36 days before Lee surrendered at Appomattox.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton rag mat. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: There are tiny holes throughout, especially at the fly end, but they actually add to the presentation instead of detract, giving it a fitting, "battle-worn" look. Many collectors prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1920
Latest Date of Origin: 1950
State/Affiliation: The Confederacy
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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