Confederate Flagbearer 5th Texas

This is toy soldier 31393 - Confederate Flagbearer 5th Texas This toy soldier represents the Confederate Flagbearer of the 5th Texas regiment, known for their iconic 'Lone Star' flag. The regiment was organized in Richmond, Virginia in 1861 and had a local contractor create a silk flag measuring 60 1/2 inches by 84 1/5 inches, adorned with silver fringe and mounted on a handsome staff. This flag was beloved by the soldiers and became known as the 'Lone Star flag.' A second flag, featuring a silk 'St. Andrew's Cross' pattern, was presented to the regiment in late 1861 while they were in winter quarters at Dumfries, Virginia. However, in 1862, the regiment retired this flag and replaced it with a woolen flag made by Mrs. Maude Young. During the Seven Days battles, the Lone Star flag was sent to be decorated with battle honors, but two officers decided to smuggle it out of the Texas Depot and bring it back to camp. This caused displeasure from General Hood, but the flag was still carried