Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  35 STARS, 1863-65, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, WEST VIRGINIA STATEHOOD, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, HALOED CENTER STAR

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 30.5" x 39.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 19.5" x 28.25"
Description....:
35 STARS, 1863-65, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, WEST VIRGINIA STATEHOOD, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, HALOED CENTER STAR:

35 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton and bearing a beautiful medallion configuration that has a huge, haloed center star. This is one of the boldest, wreath pattern, Civil War era designs and is in a rather large and highly desirable size among printed flags. In addition to these facts, there are far more parade flags known in the 34 star count, which was used during the opening two years of the war, than in the 35 star count, which became official in July of 1863. Although 35 remained the official star count until July 4th, 1865, following the war’s end, most flag making, especially that which was not under military contract, would have included a 36th star upon the addition of Nevada on October 31st, 1864. This means that 35 star flags were realistically produced for less than a year-and-a-half. Scarcity is thus one reason why 35 star parade flags are so interesting, and another is the fact that they are often larger and more visual, with elaborate star configurations.

Although the maker that produced these flags is unknown, parade flags with a haloed center star exist in at least five other star counts including 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, and 42. Two examples also exist, probably from different makers, that bear 13 stars. One dates to 1856 and was made for the presidential campaign of James Buchanan. Another style, printed on a wool and cotton blended fabric, dates to the 1876 centennial and all of its 13 stars have halos.

Note the interesting shade of persimmon red that has attractively faded and nicely compliments the indigo blue of the canton and the oxidized white stripes. In summary, this is both a beautiful and desirable example of the Civil War period with attractive colors and a whimsical presentation of stars.

Mounting: The flag has been stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added o the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is some oxidation throughout, accompanied by some tack holes along the hoist where the flag was once affixed to a wooden staff. There are minor printing errors in both pigments and there are is some pigment loss in the canton from crumpling of the fabric at some point in the flag's lifetime. There is minor fading. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 35
Earliest Date of Origin: 1863
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: West Virginia
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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