Frame Size (H x L): 8.5” x 10.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 3” x 5”

Offered is a rare eight-star parade flag made in celebration of Virginia's secession from the Union.  It is printed on glazed cotton and includes stripes that lean towards orange and a canton that leans towards a light blue.  The star pattern includes a canted center star, and it is surrounded by a ring of randomly canted stars of the same size.  All of the stars are poorly and whimsically printed, as is often the case on flags dating to the Civil War. 

Seven-star flags were made with Southern sympathies and commemorated the first wave of states that seceded from the Union, starting in February of 1861.  The first wave included Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.  Later, in April of 1861, Virginia seceded as the eighth state.  Similar to the seven-star flags, this eight-star version commemorated the secession of the Southern states and, specifically, the historically important state of Virginia.  

All known eight-star parade flags date to the Civil War, while some seven-star parade flags date to as late as 1890.  Of the parade flags having fewer than thirteen-stars, the eight and nine-star versions are by far the rarest.  Seven-star parade flags, for example, outnumber their eight-star counterparts by a ratio of 100-to-1. 

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The antique frame includes an outer walnut layer and an inner decorated gold layer.  It dates to between 1860 and 1890.  

Condition Report: This flag exhibits some age appropriate fading, but presents very well.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors   
Date of Origin: 1861    
Number of Stars: 8
Associated War: The Civil War (1861-1865)    
Associated State: Virginia