1459

ANV BATTLE FLAG OF THE 9TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 100,000.00 USD
ANV BATTLE FLAG OF THE 9TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
50" x 47" wool bunting with cotton double applique 4 1/2" stars. This flag is being offered through direct descent of the family of Walter Scott Callis, the last color bearer of the 9th Virginia Cavalry. Private Callis entered the war on May 6, 1861 and signed his oath of allegiance exactly 4 years later on May 6, 1865, near his home in Bowling Green, Virginia. Previously Callis had a gunshot wound in June of 1864 and was hospitalized at Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Family history states that all babies born into color-bearer's family after the war were wrapped in this flag at birth. This was done until about 1900 when the flag was put into shadow box with tobacco leaves to preserve it. This unit was a well-known fighting unit during the Civil War with a couple regimental histories written about it. This unit was involved in most battles of the Army of Northern Virginia (ANV), including Manassas, Peninsula Campaign, Seven Days Battles, Second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Bristow, Petersburg, 1864 Valley Campaign and the Appomattox Campaign where this 5th bunting issue battle flag was issued in September or October of 1864. 5th bunting ANV battle flags are quite rare and this is one of only a handful of that issue known. There is a report written by flag historian Greg Biggs that accompanies this flag available for prospective buyers. Identified ANV flags are extremely rare, privately held, this is a rare opportunity to obtain one through direct family descent. This flag has just been conserved and presents beautifully as can be seen in photographs here. This is the first identified ANV battle flag to come to auction in close to 20 years and there may not be another offered again. PROVENANCE: Walter Scott Callis, Company B, 9th Virginia Cavalry. Great, great, great grandchildren. CONDITION: Flag overall is very good as conserved. Flag has been archivally attached to a backing cloth utilizing tacking stitches. Conservators report is available for inspection with before and after photographs. Flag is mostly intact as can be seen in photographs though portions of two stars are missing as are portions of the wool bunting red quadrants and blue Saint Andrew's cross. Total losses of bunting probably amount to 10 or 15%. Red and blue colors are quite vibrant with areas of soiling and staining from use. Hoist is complete with 3 red, white and blue silk ribbon ties. 8-76348 JS16