I examined this flag for the Julia Auction and it is indeed authentic. My notes from Madaus with regards to Second National flags from the Charleston Depot only state that they made large flags for posts, etc. and not any unit colors. This flag has solid provenance from Olney's family and his service in the Palmetto Guard (18th SC Arty) has been confirmed by his CSR records plus things like the Confederate Veteran. There may well be a flag maker in the Charleston area that did the Second Nationals for units that did not operate through the depot itself but, rather, like Hayden & Whilden, selling directly to units themselves. Likewise the Charleston Depot battle flags- I know that C.W. Stiles did a number of them but did anyone else?

I do not know who made the flag but it is very well done indeed and has the period threads that were used to sew it. It has also been seen by a dealer with a lot of CW flags experience. Hope this helps.

Greg Biggs