Section of printed silk balloon fabric from a captured Confederate balloon. Referred to by Confederate general James Longstreet as the "silk dress balloon," the craft was constructed of bolts of dress silk. Constructed by captain Langdon Cheves and aeronaut Charles Cevor, the balloon, dubbed the Gazelle, saw service during the Peninsula campaign of 1862. The balloon was captured on July 3, 1862, while being moved aboard an armed tug.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Balloon Parts
Physical Description
2 pieces; 30 inches wide x 34 inches high and 13 inches wide x 9 1/2 inches high; framed.
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W) (Large Piece): 86.4 x 76.2cm (34 x 30 in.)
2-D - Unframed (H x W) (Small Piece): 24.1 x 33cm (9 1/2 in. x 13 in.)
Materials
Oil coated silk, plywood, paper, paint
Inventory Number
A19300055000
Credit Line
Leon P. Lowe
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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