I was up to what appeared to be four such flags of this design type found. Unfortunately Im
back down to only three. The reported 12th Virginia flag I had to drop from the denominator.
The 12th Flag association was first noted in the Echos of Glory books. It had a photo of one
of these mystery 12 star flags attached to the broken flag staff of the 12th Va from the Battle
of the Crater. The book referenced that it was the replacement flag the 12th Va recieved to
replace the one shot up at the Crater. I also noted that the flag lost at Saylers Creek identified
to the 12th Va wasnt this flag but another 3rd Bunting. Didnt make sence but knew I would have
a task to sort it out.
I spent considerable time tracking down the artifacts. I finally found the flag staff shown in a small local museum. The flag in question wasnt attached or even there. More detailed study of the photo revealed the flag wasnt actually attached to the staff but was laying beside it in the photo. Gave the illusion that it was attached and held aloft. Digital scan and enlargement also noted that the flag in the photo has a faint WD number.. it was "333"...
When the flags were returned WD-333 was initially listed as being identified with the 12th Va. But so was WD-437, reportedly both captured at the same battle; Saylers Creek. Apparently WD-333 was used as a photo prop to place with the flag staff for the book. WD-333 identity has since been changed to the 12th NC Infantry.. thus the flag labeled as 12th Va and 12th NC in an earlier posting was actually found to be the same flag.
This drops the number found from four back down to three. It also readjusts the first possible issue dates also. Scratch off Aug 1864 (12thVa), and pencil in Oct-Nov 1864 (12thNC)as the possible. The 12th NC received this flag as replacement of the previous one lost at Cedar Creek on Oct 19th 1864, eventually losing it also at Saylers Creek.
This places the possible issue date at this point in time tentatively in lue of the evidence thus far found to be roughtly between the given 6th and 7th ANV bunting issue time lines. It has more charactoristics found with the later 7th Bunting. The star size and spacing is similar less the center star and a slightly adjusted "clustering" towards the center. Its alternating star orientation is same pattern as is commonly found on 4th-7th bunting issues. If the Oct-Nov 64 issue time is further confirmed it would place it near the same time frame as the 6th issues (Nov64)or slightly after, and previous to the known 7th issues (Mar65).
Research continues...
Frederick