Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  34 STARS IN A DOUBLE-OVAL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, THE ONLY ONE KNOWN TO EXIST

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 25" x 40"
Flag Size (H x L): 16.75" x 32.5"
Description....:
34 STARS IN A DOUBLE-OVAL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1861-1863, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, THE ONLY FLAG LIKE IT KNOWN TO EXIST:

34 star American parade flag, printed on cotton, with a beautiful, double-oval wreath configuration that I have only seen on one other flag, in another star count. That was on a single 35 star example of similar size, though probably from a different maker.

So of the thousands of parade flags known to exist, this is the only one like it known to exist, and one of only two with double-oval wreath patterns of stars. The star design is exceptional in terms of its visual impact. The size of the flag is highly desired because of its versatile applications for indoor display; large enough to make a bold statement over a mantle or behind a desk, but so large that it cannot fit in a wide variety of settings. And the culmination of all the above factors results in one of the best printed flags made during the Civil War that have thus-far surfaced.

West Virginia was admitted into the Union as the 35th state during the Civil War on June 20th, 1863. The 35 star flag was official from July 4th of that year until July 3rd, 1865, but the addition of the 36th state in 1864 caused some flag makers to cease production of 35 star flags in favor of the new star count. The military, having already acquired ample stock of 35 star flags, used them for the balance of the war, which is why so few military-use flags from the Civil War have 36 stars. But the makers of flags not under military contract would have begun producing 36 star flags even before the state came in. For this reason, 35 star parade flags were probably in use for no more than about a year.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched 100% cotton twill, black in color, which has been washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-fee agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The flag was then placed in a gilded frame that dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: The flag has been professionally cleaned. Minor staining remains. There is some fabric loss along the top and bottom, particularly limited to the white area beyond the printing. The same is true along the hoist. Here white cotton dating to the 19th century was placed behind the flag for masking purposes.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 34
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1863
State/Affiliation: Kansas
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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