U.S. 35-Star Ensign "Maxwell".
The rapid expansion of the United States Navy for both blockading the southern coast and combat operations against the Confederate forces, outstripped the ability of the US naval yards to supply all of the flags needed by the expanded force. Accordingly, many naval flags were contracted from civilian suppliers and were supplied to major navy yards in Boston, New York and Philadelphia.
The wool bunting machine stitched field of this flag is composed of 13 alternating red and white stripes, the 35 hand-sewn stars are in a seven by five rectilinear pattern. The flag is finished on the canvas heading with a rope. All features seen on maritime flags were made late in the American Civil War.
The 35-star flag commemorates the state of West Virginia, which entered the Union in June 1863 and the flag then became official on 4 July 1863. Written in brown ink is the word "Maxwell", that is most likely a reference to a previous owner. There is a possibility that it may be a reference to the US Naval Assistant Surgeon Charles D. Maxwell, who served during the American Civil War.
This flag has construction similarities with ZFC0648.
Provenance:
• Owned by Mr. Maxwell.
• Acquired at auction from James D. Julia Auctions, Fairfield, Maine, 2009
ZFC Important Flag
Sources:
35 Star Flag - (1863-1865) (U.S.), Flags of the World, 21 May 2102, from: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-1863.html
The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, National Park Service, 21 May 2102, from: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html
US Navy Officers: 1798-1900 -- "M", US Navy Officers: 1778-1900, 21 May 2012, from: http://www.history.navy.mil/books/callahan/reg-usn-m.htm
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
