RARE AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTED AND IDENTIFIED PRESENTATION CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG OF KETCHUM GARRITY ALABAMA BATTERY, ARMY OF TENNESSEE.

RARE AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTED AND IDENTIFIED PRESENTATION CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG OF KETCHUM GARRITY ALABAMA BATTERY, ARMY OF TENNESSEE. This flag was passed down through the family descendants of Thomas F. Burke, whose name appears on the roster of Capt. W.H. Ketchum’s and (afterwards) Capt. J. Garrity’s AL. Battery (also known as Battery A, 1st Alabama Light Artillery) from 4 May 1861 through 31 Dec. 1863. Although that artillery battery served in the Confederate Army of TN, this flag exhibits most of the proportional characteristics of the flags made for the Army of Northern VA. The flag is essentially square, and (exclusive of the 1-1/2″ deep, yellow cotton fringe that circumvents the three exterior edges) measures 30″ on a side. The red wool flannel field is traversed by a dark blue silk St. Andrew’s cross, 2-3/4″ to 3-1/4″ wide. A white silk edging, 1/4″ wide separates the cross from the field, and thirteen white silk, five-pointed stars, each approximately 2″ across their points once decorated the center and arms of the cross. The flag is finished with a 3/4″ wide while silk heading on its staff edge, pierced with seven hand sewn buttonhole eyelets are worked into the heading for ties to secure the flag to its staff. The red wool flannel used in the making of the field is nearly identical to that used by a Mobile sewing circle for making of a presentation battle flag for Lumsden’s AL Battery. Accompanying the flag is an extremely comprehensive and professional portfolio of documents and research created by the son of the consignor. It includes a comprehensive analysis and report done by noted textile authority Fonda Thomsen (done 7.27.04) concluding the flag is genuine and made during the early part of the Civil War. Also included is an affidavit form John Thomas Wing (born 1912), grandson of Private Thomas F. Burke (enlisted in Ketchum Garrity Battery in May 1861 in Mobile, Alabama.), and a notarized affidavit from his daughter, both stating the flag descended through their family from Pvt. T. F. Burke. Also included is a family tree showing descent from T. F. Burke to present and a special appraisal of value prepared by Barbara Shanley, A.S.A. In addition, a considerable amount of research on the history of the Ketchum Garrity Battery. Originally the battery was formed with about 100 men, four 6lb smoothbore cannons and two 12lb Howitzer guns. Formed in 1861, it saw considerable action in numerous important battles. At Shiloh, it distinguished itself early in the war when it was called upon to defend the retreat of Col. Pond’s entire brigade. Ketchum not only successfully defended the retreat, but was able to retreat and save most of his artillery, establishing himself “as an outstanding officer of the highest merit”. An important and well documented flag. CONDITION: While the field and the cross are in very good condition, the white silk used for the stars, the edging of the cross and the heading has deteriorated badly with time as a result of the bleaching process. Flag, however, has been expertly conserved and framed by Textile Preservation Associates of Keedysville, Maryland, and a report on the flag’s construction and condition by Fonda Thomsen accompanies the flag.

PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS: Burke’s records show that he was a member from May 4th, 1861 through to December 31st, 1864 (not 1863). Also note the edge of the flag is not fringed with yellow cotton, but with beautiful gold metallic fringe. Also please note the stars were not white silk but were silk material on which white stars were painted. Also please note that the white silk heading is 1-3/4” wide. Also, in the description it is noted that the flag is by the Tuscaloosa or Mobile, Alabama sewing club, it was specifically the Tuscaloosa sewing circle. Under condition, it should state “the white paint as well as the silk foundation on which the white stars were painted has experienced deterioration”. Also please note the following was deleted from the condition report: “two old repairs can be seen on the flag; the first is generally considered to be a battlefield repair while the second one was likely completed after the war”. Last of all, it is noted that the Ketchum-Garrity battery fought in numerous important engagements, in actuality, more specifically it fought with distinction in many of the great battles of the western theater including Shiloh, Murfreesboro, the Kentucky Campaign, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain/Missionary Ridge, Sherman’s March to Atlanta and Franklin/Nashville. 4-60701 (45,000-75,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2006

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
	826	$0.00	RARE AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTED AND IDENTIFIED PRESENTATION CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG OF KETCHUM GARRITY ALABAMA BATTERY, ARMY OF TENNESSEE. This flag was passed down through the family descendants of Thomas F. Burke, whose name appears on the roster of Capt. W.H. Ketchum’s and (afterwards) Capt. J. Garrity’s AL. Battery (also known as Battery A, 1st Alabama Light Artillery) from 4 May 1861 through 31 Dec. 1863. Although that artillery battery served in the Confederate Army of TN, this flag exhibits most of the proportional characteristics of the flags made for the Army of Northern VA. The flag is essentially square, and (exclusive of the 1-1/2″ deep, yellow cotton fringe that circumvents the three exterior edges) measures 30″ on a side. The red wool flannel field is traversed by a dark blue silk St. Andrew’s cross, 2-3/4″ to 3-1/4″ wide. A white silk edging, 1/4″ wide separates the cross from the field, and thirteen white silk, five-pointed stars, each approximately 2″ across their points once decorated the center and arms of the cross. The flag is finished with a 3/4″ wide while silk heading on its staff edge, pierced with seven hand sewn buttonhole eyelets are worked into the heading for ties to secure the flag to its staff. The red wool flannel used in the making of the field is nearly identical to that used by a Mobile sewing circle for making of a presentation battle flag for Lumsden’s AL Battery. Accompanying the flag is an extremely comprehensive and professional portfolio of documents and research created by the son of the consignor. It includes a comprehensive analysis and report done by noted textile authority Fonda Thomsen (done 7.27.04) concluding the flag is genuine and made during the early part of the Civil War. Also included is an affidavit form John Thomas Wing (born 1912), grandson of Private Thomas F. Burke (enlisted in Ketchum Garrity Battery in May 1861 in Mobile, Alabama.), and a notarized affidavit from his daughter, both stating the flag descended through their family from Pvt. T. F. Burke. Also included is a family tree showing descent from T. F. Burke to present and a special appraisal of value prepared by Barbara Shanley, A.S.A. In addition, a considerable amount of research on the history of the Ketchum Garrity Battery. Originally the battery was formed with about 100 men, four 6lb smoothbore cannons and two 12lb Howitzer guns. Formed in 1861, it saw considerable action in numerous important battles. At Shiloh, it distinguished itself early in the war when it was called upon to defend the retreat of Col. Pond’s entire brigade. Ketchum not only successfully defended the retreat, but was able to retreat and save most of his artillery, establishing himself “as an outstanding officer of the highest merit”. An important and well documented flag. CONDITION: While the field and the cross are in very good condition, the white silk used for the stars, the edging of the cross and the heading has deteriorated badly with time as a result of the bleaching process. Flag, however, has been expertly conserved and framed by Textile Preservation Associates of Keedysville, Maryland, and a report on the flag’s construction and condition by Fonda Thomsen accompanies the flag. PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS: Burke’s records show that he was a member from May 4th, 1861 through to December 31st, 1864 (not 1863). Also note the edge of the flag is not fringed with yellow cotton, but with beautiful gold metallic fringe. Also please note the stars were not white silk but were silk material on which white stars were painted. Also please note that the white silk heading is 1-3/4” wide. Also, in the description it is noted that the flag is by the Tuscaloosa or Mobile, Alabama sewing club, it was specifically the Tuscaloosa sewing circle. Under condition, it should state “the white paint as well as the silk foundation on which the white stars were painted has experienced deterioration”. Also please note the following was deleted from the condition report: “two old repairs can be seen on the flag; the first is generally considered to be a battlefield repair while the second one was likely completed after the war”. Last of all, it is noted that the Ketchum-Garrity battery fought in numerous important engagements, in actuality, more specifically it fought with distinction in many of the great battles of the western theater including Shiloh, Murfreesboro, the Kentucky Campaign, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain/Missionary Ridge, Sherman’s March to Atlanta and Franklin/Nashville. 4-60701 (45,000-75,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2006 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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