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This regulation Army of Northern Virginia battle flag is of the 2nd Bunting issue and is regulation size about 48" by 48" square. This is the regulation size for infantry but this was also the most popular size for cavalry. This is one of the rarest and one of the most beautiful Confederate battle flags exhibiting an orange border. These flags were made by seamstresses working for the Richmond Army Depot and this is the only flag noted with what is believed to be the seamstress's signature on hoist "Mary E. Brown". This flag has been conserved (by the Stillwater Textile Conservation Studio, Bradford, N.H.) and has conservation letters and letter of authenticity from the late Confederate flag expert Howard Maddus. Also accompanying is a report by renowned flag authority Greg Biggs. This flag has descended in the family of its original recipient George P. Sewall, a prominent Maine politician during the Civil War. This flag was captured by Llewellyn G. Estes who was on General Judd Kilpatrick's staff. It is believed the flag was captured at the Battle of Falling Waters in July 4, 1863 on Lee's retreat from Gettysburg. Llewellyn Estes had a storied career during the war, including winning the Medal of Honor in 1864. It is well known that General George Mead was criticized immediately after the battle by Lincoln and has often since been criticized for not following up on a major opportunity to pursue the Confederate's in their retreat from Gettysburg. While there was not a general pursuit there was continual rear guard action and various Union units did pursue the Confederates and among those was that of General Kilpatrick's. Kilpatrick engaged the Confederate rear on various occasions and it was during one of these engagements that Llewellyn Estes, under General Judd Kilpatrick, captured this flag. Mr. Perham, in his letter specifically states "Falling Waters" and it is believed that it was here that the flag was captured, and it is therefore believed that this may have been the location at which it was captured. A 1904 letter from A.S. Perham, Washington, D.C. to the son of George P. Sewall states, "Among your fathers admirers was one Llewellyn G. Estes from your place, born in December 1843. He entered the first Maine Cavalry on the advice of your father and became Kilpatrick's Adjutant General and a Brevet Brigadier General. In the Battle of Falling Waters, MD (also known as Monterey Hills) early in July 1863, Estes captured a battle flag from a Virginia regiment and sent it to your father..." This is the flag of the 6th Virginia Cavalry who lost their flag at Falling Waters. A detailed report is being researched and prepared by Greg Biggs and will accompany this flag with the provenance. As can be seen in photos, the flag is in beautiful condition showing great patina and minor battle damage with possibly 10 bullet holes. Battle flags with such wonderful history rarely are offered and Confederate flags associated with the monumental and pivotal battle of Gettysburg never become available. Almost all known Gettysburg associated flags are institutionally owned. This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity and a very historic flag. SIZE: 48" x 48" Additional Information: Originally presented to Maine politician George Sewall and consigned by a descendent from the Page family of Maine. PROVENANCE: Direct descent of Sewall family. CONDITION: Very good overall as conserved and archivally framed. 4-39523 JS13