CONFEDERATE 11-STAR FIRST NATIONAL FLAG.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025

Exceedingly rare, most likely nautical used 1st National Confederate ensign. Confederate 1st National pattern (Stars & Bars) flag, likely made during the beginning years of the Civil War, entirely hand-sewn and with 11 stars arranged in a circular wreath configuration. This star count reflects the eleven states that officially seceded from the Union. The bars are cotton, and canton is made of wool bunting that has been joined with hand-stitching. The stars are made of cotton, hand-sewn and double-appliqued. A hand-sewn heavy cotton canvas sleeve binds the hoist end. The 2-1/4" hoist end displays two atypical 1" heavy brass grommets of the Civil War period, and of the same style found in excavation digs, and not of the type found later. Stars are large and appealing and point in various directions, which adds further visual interest to the flag along with its bold coloration. At approximately 37" x 27", the size would be small for an average Army flag. The weave and color of the red wool bunting is reminiscent of other Confederate examples noted 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 as the Confederacy was ill-equipped throughout the war. Fonda Thomsen of Textile Preservation Ltd's findings (included) are, although the flag shows some uncommon characteristics, the textiles and threads are all Civil War era materials, and that the flag "appears to be a variant of a Confederate First National flag from the Civil War period." CONDITION: Very good. Stitching is tight with no fading or smoke damage. Only light and scattered insect damage noted on the bunting.

Item Dimensions: 10" X 10"

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Value

Paperwork

Preservation Associates Letter