EXTRAORDINARY 13 STAR CONFEDERATE FIRST NATIONAL BATTLE FLAG OF JEFF THOMPSON’S MISSOURI LEGION CAPTURED AT ISLAND NO. 10, NEAR NEW MADRID, MISSOURI APRIL 1862.

This fine & rare early 13-star Confederate 1st national flag was captured April 1, 1862 by Capt. Edward Sylla, 10th Illinois Infantry. There is a 5-pg letter explaining the gift of this flag in 1960 from the great grandson of Capt. Sylla’s brother who was also a veteran but in the 36th Illinois who, like his brother, only served a few months in campaigns on the Mississippi River in southern Missouri. The flag has been archivally framed by Fonda Thompsen, Textile Conservation, Inc. in 1993 & is accompanied by her report. Thirteen star 1st nationals are quite rare as only 11 states seceded but early war sentiments also brought in Missouri & Kentucky which unfortunately for the Confederates were overrun early & occupied by Union troops. There is a detailed report on this flag by well-known flag expert & scholar Gregg Biggs along with orig letter transmitting flag, battlefield map & other framed items of provenance including an April 10, 1862 newspaper telling of Union victory with illustration. CONDITION: Flag measures 49″ on hoist, 104″ on fly with canton of thirteen 3″ stars forming a 23″ diameter circle. Canton is constructed of a wool-cotton blend, stars, red & white bars are cotton, the fly end is hemmed & the leading edge is missing as it was no doubt cut from its staff when captured. The flag is hand sewn throughout & is intact as constructed. There are minor tears & 1 large repaired tear in bottom red bar which does not affect aesthetics. Color is good. 50151-1 JS (20,000-30,000) – L
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