34-star flag. Printed in blue and red on cotton. Canton arranged in four rows of 8 double-appliqued stars and 2 additional stars between rows 1 & 2 and 3 & 4. Overall 213 x 111 in., canton 80 x 58 1/2 in.

Ink inscription to hoist obverse reads: "Revenue Cutter City of Detroit". Reverse reads "18 foot" 

The 34-star flag was adopted with the admission of Kansas in January 1861 and remained in use until 1863, when West Virginia was admitted to the Union.

The United States Revenue Cutter Service was initially formed as an armed customs enforcement agency. Over time, their missions were expanded. They remained in operation until 28 January 1915, when they were merged with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the United States Coast Guard. 

Notably, the first maritime of shot of the Civil War was fired by the USRC Harriet Lane when the civilian mail steamer Nashville attempted to enter Charleston Harbor without an identifying flag during the bombardment of Fort Sumter. The Nashville raised her flag, was permitted entrance, but was promptly seized by the Confederate Navy. Upon the full eruption of war, revenue cutters assisted U.S. Navy operations in many capacities including the blockade, sorties to attack Richmond, and transporting troops. 

Detroit saw its greatest military role during the War of 1812, but the USRCS maintained a presence on the Great Lakes throughout the 19th century. During the Civil War, the revenue cutter Floyd was based in Detroit. Shortly after the war's conclusion, the new revenue steamer Sherman was also docked in Detroit. It is possible that the flag was an ensign for one of these vessels. 

A very rare flag attributed to the United States Revenue Cutter Service. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria] [Flags, Patriotic Textiles]