Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  37 STARS, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1867-1876, NEBRASKA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 14" x 17.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 5.75" x 9"
Description....:
37 STARS, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1867-1876, NEBRASKA STATEHOOD:

37 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in a beautiful medallion that consists of three sizes of stars. There is a large and whimsical, upside-down center star, surrounded by two wreaths of much smaller stars, with somewhat larger stars flanking in each of the 4 corners of the blue canton. Note how the relatively crude block printing of the stars lends a nice level of folk quality to its presentation.

The medallion configuration is rare in 37 star flags. I know of only two varieties of printed parade flags with this type of star formation and circular patterns are seldom seen in pieced-and-sewn examples of this period.

The 37th state, Nebraska, joined the Union on March 1st, 1867. The 37 star flag was official from that year until 1877, although it fell out of use in 1876 with the addition of Colorado. The 37 star-count is quite scarce in comparison to the flags that immediately preceded and followed it. This is due primarily to the lack of major patriotic events during the period they were generally used, which followed the Civil War yet preceded the 100-year anniversary of our nation's independence. While the 37 star flag was still official in 1876, it was well known that at least one more state would be joining the Union that year. This caused flag makers to cease production in favor of 38 and 39 star flags, which were made as early as 1875 or even prior. For this reason, 37 star flags were seldom produced for our nation's centennial, where 38 and 13 star counts (commemorating American independence) were preferred.

Mounting: The wide, solid walnut molding has a gilded liner and dates to the same general era as the flag (1860-1890). The flag has been stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which has been washed and treated to reduce and set the dye. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 37
Earliest Date of Origin: 1867
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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