Recently a flag (banner?) has been handed down to me through my family and I am trying to identify it. It originated from a great uncle of mine who owned it prior to his death in 1917 (at the age of 19). It had been in the possession of my 98 year old grandmother and no one else in the family was aware of it's existence.
It is a swallow tail design and at least one other individual I have contacted has stated that it might be a Civil War flag.
The top half of the flag is a field of red with the white lettering of the following- 1 ALA
The bottom half of the flag is a field of white with a red letter- L
It is from the 1st. Alabama; Company L. While attempting to research this I found that the 1st Alabama; Company L, later became the 12 Alabama; 12th Cavalry at some point during the Civil War. Would that make this a civil war era piece?
I created a representation of the flag and will be glad to email the picture to anyone interested.
First off, I would like to know the best way to preserve it. As you might expect it is very fragile. Additionally, I have been told that it might be very valuable. I would like some information on what it's value might be, if any.
Any insight you can shed on it's nature would be greatly appreciated
Thanks to all.
Mick Thornton
Plainfield, Indiana