Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  33 STARS, OREGON STATEHOOD, 1859-1861, MEDALLION with 3 STARS in the CENTER

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 55" x 80"
Flag Size (H x L): 43" x 68"
Description....:
33 STARS, OREGON STATEHOOD, 1859-1861, MEDALLION with 3 STARS in the CENTER: 33 star American national flag with interesting folk qualities. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that consists of two wreaths of stars with a flanking star in each corner of its light blue canton. The most unusual feature is the lack of a single star in the center of the pattern. Instead there is a triangle of 3 stars. This is rarely seen and is intriguing for both its scarcity and the visual aspect it lends to the star configuration when compared to other medallion designs. Most flags with pieced and sewn construction made before the 1890's measure 8-9 feet long and larger. So despite its appearance, this is actually a small flag when compared to most of its counterparts. Most Civil War period, infantry battle flags were significantly larger, at 72" x 76", making them difficult to conserve and display in an indoor setting. The canton, stars, and stripes of the flag are cotton and are entirely hand-sewn. The stars are double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the flag) and while their rough edges were not turned under, the general quality of the sewing is very well executed throughout the flag and is particularly fine in the stripes, which have very narrow seams and are pieced with great skill. There is no formal sleeve. Instead there was a series of small loops of cotton rope along the hoist end, most of which are still present. The most likely purpose of the flag was for use in a parade or political rally, or pre-Civil War patriotism. Cotton was not a good material for long-term outdoor use, since it absorbs water, adding weight, encouraging damage and rot. For this reason, nineteenth century cotton flags with sewn construction are predominantly, like this one, homemade for some specific event. The 33rd state, Oregon, entered the Union on February 14th, 1859. The 33 star flag was official from 1859-1861, and was thus still the official flag when Ft. Sumter was fired upon on April 12th of that year. This event marked the beginning of the Civil War, and a 33 star flag was flying at Ft. Sumter during the attack. Because the 34th state, Kansas, had already acquired statehood on January 29th, 1861, the 34 star flag was to become official on July 4th. For this reason, 33 star flags were not generally not produced for the war, which would last until 1865, and 33 star flags were generally made pre-war. 33's are thus far and away more rare than their 34 and 35 star examples, as well as some 36 star flags made before they became official, which would carry the nation to the war's end. Flags made prior to the Civil War are extremely rare, comprising less than one percent of 19th century flags that exist in the 21st century. Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support, then hand-sewn to a 100% cotton background, black in color. The background fabric was washed to remove excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye, and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount is backed with archival material and placed in a black painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas. Condition: The flag likely saw very little use and is in excellent condition for the period. There is minor foxing and staining, accompanied by very minor holes and fabric loss.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 33
Earliest Date of Origin: 1859
Latest Date of Origin: 1861
State/Affiliation: Oregon
War Association: 1777-1860 Pre-Civil War
Price: No
 

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