CIVIL WAR FLAG FRAGMENT LOT EX-AUCTION PIECES (71st PA, Captured, + Others)
WE WILL BE POSTING NUMEROUS LOTS OF DIFFERING SIZES AND TYPES. This offering consists of a curated grouping of authentic Civil War-era textile fragments, professionally housed and displayed in a 4.5" x 5.5" Riker-style display box, originating from Alexander Historical Auctions, Sale 68, Lot 572. As shown in the attached listing photo of the original lot, several sections of larger material were identified as flags of the 71st by painted text on the sections.
A full-length albumen portrait of Lieutenant John D. Rogers of the 71st PA accompanied the original lot as well. According to Alexander's original description, the grouping included sections of captured Confederate flags and was originally acquired by Francis Bannerman. Among the stands of enemy colors captured during the war by the 71st, were three taken during the climax of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg (the regiment was positioned at the apex of The Angle on Cemetery Ridge on July 3rd).
The purchaser of the lot from Alexander's has retained the large, identified sections (as shown in the black and white scan of the original listing lot photo) and offers these fragments for sale (along with similar lots that will be listed in the coming days and weeks). The albumen photograph and additional materials from the original lot are not included, but provided for reference. YOU WILL RECEIVE THE EXACT FRAGMENTS SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH. The fragments are consistent in material, weave, and wear with mid-19th-century wartime flags and banners and represent a mixed assemblage of Union and likely captured Confederate flag material, typical of veteran-kept souvenir relic groupings.
Blue wool bunting fragment - Likely sections from national or regimental flags, consistent with indigo-dyed wool bunting used in U. AND CS military flags during the Civil War period. These pieces display correct weave structure, oxidation, and edge fraying.
A length of gold thread remains attached. Red wool bunting fragment- Strongly indicative of flag stripe material. Red bunting was used in both Union national flags and Confederate battle and national flags, and these pieces may represent either Union usage or captured Confederate material retained as wartime souvenirs. Off-white / cream cotton fragment - Likely a section from a canton field, consistent with Union and Confederate flag construction.
Metallic silver fringe fragment - A narrow section of silver metallic fringe, commonly used on regimental, camp, and presentation flags, rather than standard issue national colors. This detail strongly supports a regimental, camp, or reunion use. White / buff-colored textile fragment - Likely from a fine wool component associated with regimental or national flags.
Bundle of mixed thread from fragments. The presence of mixed materials also supports the interpretation that captured Confederate flag fragments were incorporated into the assemblage, a common veteran practice. This offering represents a portion of that historically intact lot, preserved and displayed for individual collection. The fragments are attractively arranged and secured within a 4.5" x 5.5" Riker display box, making the piece ready for study, display, or inclusion in a Civil War collection.
All fragments show expected period wear, fraying, oxidation, and age toning consistent with genuine Civil War-era textiles.