A superb find! The flags of this size (7 1/2 feet by a tad over 15 feet) are a pain to deal with for display, conservation, etc. The flag looks to be in terrific shape. I would contact Joellen Maack at the Old Statehouse Museum in Little Rock and see if she can offer any help, suggestions, etc.

What history does this flag have? With the rope hoist for attachment to halyards I lean towards this being a naval flag but it could also be for a post that had a fixed flag pole. The size is similar to a storm flag for a post/garrison. This is also interesting in that its size ratio of 1 to 2 is what was called for in the May 1863 flag act yet very few Second national flags fit that size spec. Most are 2 to 3.

What history does this have?

Greg Biggs