19TH CENTURY 5-FOOT SQUARE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG MARKED ON HOIST BY THOMAS ALEXANDER BRANDER WHO WAS ARTILLERIST IN THE VIRGINIA ARTILLERY, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.

This is a most unusual and perplexing flag as the materials all appear contemporaneous to the Civil War as does the machine stitch used to assemble this flag. There are only minor differences noted as to construction of Civil War flags and this slightly later example. This cataloger is fairly certain that this flag and another that is no doubt related which was donated to VMI in 1923 as the battle flag of the Letcher Artillery and used at the battle of Newmarket. Thomas A. Brander was an officer in this unit. The flag at the Virginia Military Museum collection is identical in construction as the flag here though a different size 40″ x 44″, it also has the same inked inscription “T.A. Brander” on the hoist but also “$2.00”. Thomas A. Brander (1839 – 1900), not only was a Confederate hero commanding artillery at most of the major battles fought under Robert E. Lee including Gettysburg where a plaque commemorates his position. Brander was also very involved in post war commemorations of Confederate Veterans, by time of his death he was Major General and Commander of Virginia division of the United Confederate Veterans. Most likely this flag is commemorative and not war time, though until this flag surfaced the VMI Military Museum flag was thought to have been war time, but it is now listed in archives as commemorative. This flag has family provenance dating it back to the Brander family according to our consignor which we do not doubt. Overall dimensions are 60-1/4″ on fly 59-1/4″ on hoist, the Saint Andrews cross is 8-3/4″ wide, the cotton stars are 6-1/2″ across. Flag is totally machine sewn with cotton hoist with sleeve retaining mounting cords that appear contemporary to its manufacture. Regardless this is a great opportunity to buy a Confederate battle flag at least 118 years old with a moderate estimate. A detailed research letter is available, written by Confederate flag historian Greg Biggs. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall with scattered areas of mothing to bunting. Flag has excellent color with soiling especially the hoist. 50780-1 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2131

Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antique Auction - August 2016

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2131	$5,332.50	19TH CENTURY 5-FOOT SQUARE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG MARKED ON HOIST BY THOMAS ALEXANDER BRANDER WHO WAS ARTILLERIST IN THE VIRGINIA ARTILLERY, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. This is a most unusual and perplexing flag as the materials all appear contemporaneous to the Civil War as does the machine stitch used to assemble this flag. There are only minor differences noted as to construction of Civil War flags and this slightly later example. This cataloger is fairly certain that this flag and another that is no doubt related which was donated to VMI in 1923 as the battle flag of the Letcher Artillery and used at the battle of Newmarket. Thomas A. Brander was an officer in this unit. The flag at the Virginia Military Museum collection is identical in construction as the flag here though a different size 40″ x 44″, it also has the same inked inscription “T.A. Brander” on the hoist but also “$2.00”. Thomas A. Brander (1839 – 1900), not only was a Confederate hero commanding artillery at most of the major battles fought under Robert E. Lee including Gettysburg where a plaque commemorates his position. Brander was also very involved in post war commemorations of Confederate Veterans, by time of his death he was Major General and Commander of Virginia division of the United Confederate Veterans. Most likely this flag is commemorative and not war time, though until this flag surfaced the VMI Military Museum flag was thought to have been war time, but it is now listed in archives as commemorative. This flag has family provenance dating it back to the Brander family according to our consignor which we do not doubt. Overall dimensions are 60-1/4″ on fly 59-1/4″ on hoist, the Saint Andrews cross is 8-3/4″ wide, the cotton stars are 6-1/2″ across. Flag is totally machine sewn with cotton hoist with sleeve retaining mounting cords that appear contemporary to its manufacture. Regardless this is a great opportunity to buy a Confederate battle flag at least 118 years old with a moderate estimate. A detailed research letter is available, written by Confederate flag historian Greg Biggs. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall with scattered areas of mothing to bunting. Flag has excellent color with soiling especially the hoist. 50780-1 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2131 Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antique Auction - August 2016 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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19TH CENTURY 5-FOOT SQUARE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG MARKED ON HOIST BY THOMAS ALEXANDER BRANDER WHO WAS ARTILLERIST IN THE VIRGINIA ARTILLERY, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.