1462

CAPTURED CONFEDERATE NAVAL JACK BY CIVIL WAR HERO COMMANDER WILLIAM CUSHING.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
CAPTURED CONFEDERATE NAVAL JACK BY CIVIL WAR HERO COMMANDER WILLIAM CUSHING.
This Confederate Naval Jack is in incredible condition with bright colors and little damage. This flag measures 97-1/2" on fly and 67-1/2" on hoist. Flag has 13 five pointed cotton stars that are sewn through. The 1-3/4" canvas hoist has inserted rope with a 3-1/2" wood toggle on one side and a longer length of rope with loop at top for attachment. This flag has purported history to have been captured by Commander William Cushing who became a national celebrity in 1864 when he attacked and sunk the Confederate iron clad CSS Albemarle with a spar torpedo. Charles Van Doren wrote a very popular biography of William Cushing, Lincoln's Commando in 1957 (the author Charles Van Doren was best known as the cheater on the "$64,000 Question" quiz show in 1959). This flag, along with a second national flag, were originally bought in the 1960 estate of Marie Louise Cushing who was sole surviving daughter of Commander William B. Cushing, held at the Cushing residence, 23 Forest Place, Fredonia, N.Y. Though we cannot determine where this flag was captured; Greg Biggs in his notes concerning Cushing, mentions several flags associated with Cushing in his lifetime. Regardless of where this flag was captured it is a wonderful Confederate flag in beautiful condition and of a very small size for a Naval Jack. There is a textile analysis report performed by Fonda Thomsen a leading textile expert confirming authenticity and purported history of this flag. It is interesting to note that the bunting used in this flag is also found in well documented 3rd bunting issue ANV battle flags (1862-1863). This flag is very well made entirely with hand stitching and is quite reminiscent of Depot made flags, both in the Army of Northern Virginia and in the Army of Tennessee. This is a great opportunity to buy the classic Confederate Saint Andrews Cross in a naval battle flag that will display beautifully. Included with this flag is a notarized affidavit stating that the flag was bought in the estate sale of Marie Cushing along with copies newspaper clippings advertising the estate sale at the Cushing estate. CONDITION: Flag overall is in very good to fine condition, showing light use with minor soiling and several small areas of insect damage. Colors are bright that can be seen in photos and stitching is sound throughout the rope and hoist is complete with well sewn wood knob and loop. 4-48214 JS17