February 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
Large 13-Star U.S. naval flag for the Brig Rival, likely an English merchant ship captured during the Civil War by the U.S. Navy. In 1850 the U.S. Navy adopted the 13-star flag for use on their smaller boats, and then added a number system in 1863 to designate boat size; this flag doesn't have an additional number, dating it to sometime between 1850-1863. Although U.S. naval records don't show the existence of a ''Rival'' ship, an English merchant ship named Rival was in operation in the mid-19th century transporting goods from the Americas to England. Many of these English merchant vessels ran goods to the South during the war, and it's likely that Rival was one of the 350 plus blockade runners captured by the U.S. Navy, and subsequently put to use during the Civil War. Large mainmast-sized wool flag measures 5' 1'' x 11' 6'', with the 13 linen stars hand sewn in a 4-5-4 horizontal pattern. Two holes are sewn at the top and bottom of hoist, upon which ''BRIG RIVAL'' is written in ink. A 19th century metal tag reading ''3154.L'' also appears. Flag shows considerable wear from use on the high seas, and likely from military action with part of the fly portion missing and numerous holes throughout. Originally owned by the Fine Art Museum of San Francisco.
13-Star U.S. Naval Flag for the Brig Rival, Likely an English Blockade Runner Captured During the Civil War
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