First Minnesota Civil War Regimental Flag, REPRODUCTION Correct size (76" x 77")

Description

A seven-year project has come to completion.  This is a REPRODUCTION.  The agreement with the Minnesota Historical Society is that the reproduced flag have sufficient flaws that it can NEVER be represented as the real Civil War flag.  If you are reading this you may know the history.  If you do not, please read it.  The pictures of the original flag are found in the last two pictures.  The flag was carried into the suicide attack by the First Minnesota at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.  The original silk hand-made flag is only somewhat similar to Horstmann flags.  The original flag is missing many pieces.  The original flag has been sewn to cotton backing to preserve it.  The reverse may never be seen again.
In order to make as correct a sufficiently flawed reproduction as possible, an artist was employed to create paintings of the front and reverse.  The front is the Minnesota State Seal.  It has been reproduced as closely as possible using pictures of the front of the original 5th Minnesota flag.  The font of the battles listed in the shields has been changed to a period appropriate font.
The reverse provided a number of challenges.  Extensive research could find no image of the obverse of the Great Seal that matched the remaining pieces of the original flag.  The number of stars was an issue as West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863.  Following precedent, a 35th star would be added on July 4, 1863.  As the First Minnesota flag was made before then, 34 stars are on the reproduction.  The presentation of the field of stars was difficult to assess given the poor quality of the existing pictures of the reverse.  They are arrayed as in other Horstmann Civil War flags.  As another flaw, the eagle is holding close the arrows, but is turning loose the olive branch.  It is a nice touch given the war.
As requested, pictures of the detail of each side are now in the listing.  A ruler gives the viewer a sense of perspective.  The flag is large.
The reproduction is of the correct size - 77" fly and 76" leading edge.  Both sides have been individually digitally printed on a silk/poly blend - another flaw.  It has a pole hem that is closed on top.  Lastly, it is seamed - another fatal flaw.
Your purchase of this flag will help to offset the expense of the reproduction flag that will be donated to the State of Minnesota.  As you may know the flags are rotated on display at the State Capitol.  Having a reproduction would allow this historic flag to be proudly flown.
Please ask any and all questions before buying this flag.  It is sold as is.  It has been flown at home and at Gettysburg, as pictured.  It creates quite a bit of torque on the 12' x 1 1/4" pole used.  The pole is not included.  Carter's Lumber has them for under .
Free shipping in the US.
Shipping to Hawai'i and Alaska will be greater than the fixed shipping cost.  Please inquire as to the actual cost.