1374A

PAIR OF GREAT FOLKY HAND-MADE PATRIOTIC FLAGS FROM THE ESTATE OF A 20TH MAINE REGIMENT CORPORAL

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Other Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
PAIR OF GREAT FOLKY HAND-MADE PATRIOTIC FLAGS FROM THE ESTATE OF A 20TH MAINE REGIMENT CORPORAL
PAIR OF GREAT FOLKY HAND-MADE PATRIOTIC FLAGS FROM THE ESTATE OF A 20TH MAINE REGIMENT CORPORAL. These flags are fresh out of an estate in central Maine. The estate included Civil War memorabilia and artifacts belonging to Cpl. John William Morin of Embden, Maine who was a member of F Company of the famous 20th Maine regiment commanded by Col. Joshua Chamberlain. Morin served with the 20th in 1862 and 1863, including the battle for Little Round Top at Gettysburg. At the end of 1863, he was transferred to the Signal Corps. The house in which these flags were kept was unoccupied for years, and someone broke into the house and stole almost all Morin’s Civil War artifacts. Fortunately, these wonderful flags were folded up in a trunk under the eaves and were overlooked by the thief. The smaller flag is approximately 58” x 34”. It is one-sided and is made on a large piece of white cotton. The six red stripes are made of silk dressmaker’s ribbon sewn on to the white backing. This makes 13 stripes in all, but with the unconventional white outer stripes. The blue cotton canton is sewn to the white backing and the 31 stars are cut out to show the backing. Next to the canton is a panel featuring a very folky hand-painted eagle. The 31 stars date this flag to the period of 1851-1858 and the symbology in the eagle supports that. The eagle has an olive branch in its (own) right talon and is facing that direction, as appropriate for a time of peace. Also the canton rests on a white stripe, also appropriate for a time of peace. The larger flag is approximately 152” x 64” and is double sided. The hoist end has been folded over a piece of hemp rope and stitched. There are also several leather tabs attached to its top edge so it could be displayed horizontally. The body of the flag is constructed of strips of red and white cotton sewn together. The flag has only 11 stripes - 6 red and 5 white. The blue cotton canton has 21 6-pointed cotton stars stitched onto either side. There are thirteen 5-pointed stars painted in an arc over the eagle on both sides, bring the total star count to 34, which was appropriate for the period from 1861 to 1863 - the early Civil War. The symbology is appropriate for that period, as well, with the eagle facing to its own left (and with arrows clutched in both talons - no olive branch) and with the canton sitting on the red (war) stripe. The extension of the war stripe is red silk dressmaker’s ribbon, as in the smaller flag. Given the accurate use of war symbology, it is possible that this flag was made by Cpl. Morin’s mother to commemorate his enlistment. The similarities in style and of decoration of the two flags indicate that both were made by the same hand. CONDITION: Both flags have some light staining. The smaller, older flag is in remarkably good condition, and was probably only displayed indoors. The fabric is sound, and apart from fading of the red silk stripes, the appearance is very attractive. The larger flag has numerous tears and losses, primarily in the red stripes. It was probably displayed and used on quite a number of occasions, as evidenced by the numerous repairs. Its colors remain vibrant, however, and it would be a great candidate for conservation and display. 4-53643