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Home / Historical / 2007 December Civil War Auction Auction #674 / Lot #72300
    LOT #72300  | 
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    CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG CAPTURED AT MACON, GEORGIA ARSENAL APRIL 2, 1865....

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    Description

    CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG CAPTURED AT MACON, GEORGIA ARSENAL APRIL 2, 1865. Prior to its purchase by the Confederate government, Macon Arsenal existed as the Findlay Iron Works and produced railroad components such as car wheels and steam engines. The arsenal began producing ordnance for the Confederacy on May 10, 1862 and was commanded by Lt. Col. Richard Cuyler. Initially 6 and 12 pdr. Guns were produced and in November 1862 the arsenal began the manufacture of Napoleons and Parrots. The arsenal also produced and stored ammunition and accouterments. Sherman surprisingly bypassed Macon and the arsenal on his "March to the Sea" but the employees were called out to defend it on several occasions in 1864, possibly carrying this flag. The city and arsenal were finally taken in April 1865 by Union forces under the command of Gen James Wilson, when this flag was captured. The flag is constructed of wool bunting with 3 ½" white cotton stars and a 1" wide white cotton muslin hoist.. The flag measures 47" on the hoist and 51 ½" on the fly. Rolled stitched edge probably containing a cord core. The cross is 5 ¼" wide with a 1"white border. Constructed with three stars on each arm of the cross and one star in the center. The hoist exhibits no provisions for attachment and probably originally included ties or possibly meant to be nailed directly to a staff. The flag is accompanied by an old 3 ¾" X 4 ¾" paper tag with the following inscription in brown ink "The Macon Ga./Arsenal Rebel Flag/captured/April 2nd/1865" additionally, written at the bottom in pencil "The gift of Silas C. Stevens April 1915" probably on the 50th anniversary of the flag's capture. A striking and historically important Confederate battle flag with excellent history.
    This flag is from the Chicago Historical Society's famed Gunther Collection and included in their catalog.

    Provenance:     Chicago Historical Society dexecessed to Arnold Chernoff

    Condition: Overall very sound. All colors bright, all stitching tight. Just a few small areas of loss/damage really very minor, as can be seen in the photograph. The flag has been framed for presentation.

    This flag has been carefully examined by authoritative in-house experts and has been deemed to be authentic and of the period in every respect including fabric, thread, dye and the method and pattern of construction. Additionally, any accompanying provenance has been verified as unique and indigenous to the specific flag it documents.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    December, 2007
    1st Saturday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 9,055

    Buyer's Premium per Lot:
    19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $9) per lot.

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