The guidon is housed in a modern gold wood frame that meas. approx. 46.50 X 24.25 inches The guidon is laid against a cream backing that really allows the guidon to stand out.

Overall about 65% to 70% of the flag remains. Silk does not age well and over time its own weight causes stress separations and material lost. This guidon came from the attic of a house where it was only stored in a trunk. Excessive cold, heat and dampness have taken its toll but despite that, the colors of the remaining pieces are strong.

The actual dimensions of the guidon itself are 41.00 x 19.00 inches but these measurements are approximate. On the body of the item 10 of the 13 stripes remain. The bottom 3 stripes are totally gone. Of the 10 stripes present all have varying degrees of completeness. Some are 80% complete while others are between 10% to 70%. The red stripes seem to have fared better than the white. Also, when the guidon was laid out for framing the people doing the work arranged it so the swallowtail comes to a point on a white stripe instead of a red one.

The canton meas. approx. 13.00 x 14.00 inches and makes a wonderful highlight for this guidon. The field is a rich blue with 35 gold painted stars. The canton is approx. 90%-95% present. There are nine small holes along the hoist edge effecting 9 of the stars. This is not surprising due to the fact that the weight of the paint makes the silk more brittle in these areas. Of the 9 stars mentioned above only one is obliterated. All the others have some of the star remaining. The other 26 stars are in very good condition.

The pattern of the stars is a pleasing arrangement of two concentric rings with four in each corner. Also, near the top corner of the canton, where it meets the stripes, is a dark stain which family lore says is blood which brings us to the history of the piece.

This guidon comes from a Virginia collection and was originally purchased from a house outside Bristol, Tennessee which straddles the border with Virginia. The original purchaser got the item from the family of the Confederate soldier who captured it. According to family history the guidon was captured during a small cavalry action near a church not far from Bristol. The family history goes on to state that the stain on the guidon is the blood of the Union soldier who carried it. The guidon was stored in a chest in an attic until purchased and would explain its worn condition.

Mounted on a wall this piece would enhance any Civil War collection.  [ad]

Extra shipping required; if possible we recommend picking the flag up in our shop, or we can deliver it at any of the militaria shows we attend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!