When I examined this flag I discovered two faint ink impression stamps upon the hoist edge that were difficult to read that even the curators hadnt noticed before. The stamps in question I pondered might have been a makers mark. Further study on these impressions, it has two lines on each and both respective stamps appear to be the same. The lower line we have determined appears to be "Liverpool". The first line we can only make out a couple letters. Another faint hand written ink inscription was found further down the hoist edge that said "Reb Ensign".
I have located records and registry on two different British commercial shipping vessels, owned by two different private companies, bearing the "Tornado" name. Both of these based out of Liverpool all or some duration during the war time frame. Both of these shipping companies were found to be actively involved in the cotton shipping trade before the war. Thus a theory that maybe one of these private vessels either was, or possibly just pondered getting involved in the high payoff blockade running venture at some point. Maybe did, maybe didnt.. Therefore someone obtained this CS ensign designed flag from a local maker for whatever reasons.
The possession chain of this particular flag is a bit sketchy, but notated in the museum records as originally given as a gift to someones (British Citizen) ancestor residing in Nova Scotia during the war from an unidentified "Southern Naval Officer". The flag ended up in a local museum of sorts in NS for many years then later coming here to this nautical museum in the US in the 1940's.
Curious if anyone has any information data on any known flag makers in Liverpool at the time. And/or what other known foriegn made CS ensigns might be existing out there to compare details.
Thanks
Frederick