3046 FINEST & MOST HISTORIC HARDEE PATTERN CONFEDERATE

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This item SOLD at 2023 May 14 @ 10:46UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 75,000.00 USD
Estimated at 150,000.00 - 250,000.00 USD

BATTLE FLAG EXTANT. This flag has been locked in safety deposit box for many years and thought lost since last known when displayed and auctioned at the Northern Ohio Sanitary Fair for Soldier’s Aide Society February 22-March 10, 1864. Flag has an amazing history. Hardee’s Corps, Army of Tennessee were issued flags in Spring 1863. Flag was captured at Battle of Liberty Gap during the Tullahoma Campaign June 25th 1863 where three color bearers were killed in only one hour. The devastation caused by newly introduced Spencer repeating rifles won the battle of Liberty Gap decimating the 2nd Arkansas who now had too few men for a regiment. Their next battle, they would fight as consolidated regiment with the 15th Arkansas.

This was only the second day that Spencers had actually been used in battle, the previous day at Hoover's Gap, Spencers were tested in battle for first time with great affect. The capturing regiment 38th Illinois commander Colonel Daniel Harvey Gilmer would be killed almost 3 months later to the day at battle of Chickamauga. The flag was displayed at the Northern Ohio Sanitary Fair in Cleveland February 22-March 10, 1864 as a memorial to the fallen commander as noted in capture inscription.

Made entirely of Southern loomed cotton. 46.5" x 40.25" overall, 2.5" sleeve, 16x14" "moon" has crossed cannon (captured cannon in battle) painted above "2nd ARK REGt", painted battle honors "SHILOH", "MURFREESBORO, "PERRYSVILLE", & "TUSCUMBIA BRIDGE" on each border. The 5 line painted capture caption: "Captured by the 38th Illinois Vols commanded by Col. Gilmer at Liberty Gap, Tennessee, June 25th 1863".

This flag was only a few months old when captured, explaining its magnificent condition. Detailed history is available in report written by Greg Biggs, leading Confederate flag vexillologist. CONDITION: very fine, good colors, minor staining, one small bullet hole, two corners still string tied for its last display known at Cleveland 1864 soldier’s exposition March 1864. (02-19441-JS). $150,000-250,000.