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  8 STARS WITH WHIMSICAL PROFILES ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG OF THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD, MADE TO REFLECT CONFEDERATE SYMPATHIES, DENOTES VIRGINIA SECESSION IN 1861, EXTREMELY SCARCE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 9" x 8"
Flag Size (H x L): 3" x 2"
Description....:
8 star American parade flag, block-printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that is comprised of a wreath of 7 stars, surrounding a single, large star in the very center. Note how the especially crude printing of these adds great folk character to its presentation.

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, with the ordinance ratified by the Virginia State Legislature on May 3rd. This followed the initial wave of 7 states that had taken place on the preceding February 4th. Because there was so little time before the secession of the 9th and 10th states of Arkansas and Tennessee, which followed on May 6th (ratified on May 20th and June 6th, respectively), there was a very narrow window in which this star count was applicable.

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 flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The black-painted American molding dates to the early 19th century, circa 1810-1840, to which a silver gilt liner of the late 19th century circa 1870-1880, was added. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are a few tiny tears, accompanied by minor to modest foxing and staining and some misprinting. The latter adds more in the category of charm than it detracts. 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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