3208 CONFEDERATE 1ST NATIONAL "STARS & BARS" BATTLEFLAG

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 17,500.00 USD
Estimated at 35,000.00 - 45,000.00 USD
OF LT. RUSSELL CAPLES,SEARCY SHARPSHOOTERS, 16TH MISSOURI INFANTRY. Russell B. Caples: Paper files included with this lot include a statement by Russell B. Caples stating "APRIL of 1865 a tough remnant of our old regiment fought under General Kirby Smith….Returning home to Glasgow, I kept my sash and the flag under which I had fought so many battles. Mother had died and father [Confederate chaplain] was mortally wounded by a cannon shell during the battle of Glasgow [October 15, 1864]. I arrived home with no job and two half sisters to support." Russell Bigelow Caples (1841-1915) entered service as private in Searcy Sharpshooters in 1862 was promoted to Lieutenant serving till June 7, 1865 when he was given his parole of honor at Shreveport, Louisiana. The Searcy Sharpshooter's served in western theatre under Generals Earl Van Dorn & Sterling Price. Upon his return home finding such devastation, he turned to law, becoming attorney and later well-respected judge till his death in 1915. His retained flag this wonderful early war manufactured flag, characteristic of Missouri having unusual arranged canton of 14 stars. Flag is constructed of light weight silk and in remarkable condition considering its age and use. Flag is classic "stars & bars" or Confederate first national all hand sewn with 2 attached patriotic rosettes also of silk. Flag measures 41" hoist, 2" cotton sleeve, 62" on fly, canton is 19" x 17.5" with double applique 3" silk stars. UNATTACHED ASSESSORIES: Research letter by Confederate flag authority Greg Biggs & file of research on RB Caples and his regiment. CONDITION: very good overall, flag is solid and easily handled though fragile, fraying & splitting of silk in both red bars, loses at flay end from use, still 98% complete, red bars faded to red/brown. 3 small holes the size of minié balls are found in canton, top red bar, and white bar. (02-21024-1/JS). $35,000-45,000.