Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  35 STARS, PROBABLY A CIVIL WAR CAMP COLORS, RARE RANDOM CONFIGURATION OF STARS

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 28" x 43.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 18.5" x 33"
Description....:
35 STARS, PROBABLY A CIVIL WAR CAMP COLORS, ONE OF THREE KNOWN PRINTED FLAGS WITH A RANDOM CONFIGURATION OF STARS, 1863-1865, WEST VIRGINIA STATEHOOD:

This 35 star American national flag, printed on wool bunting, is the only known example in this exact form. Note in particular that the configuration of the stars is comprised of a large center star, surrounded by a completely random scattering of smaller stars. There is another flag from the same maker with 36 stars. It is exactly like this flag except that one additional star was added along the right side of the canton. Collectively they are the only two in this general style that I have ever encountered.

Note how the combination of the randomly placed stars, the large center star, and the elongated form all lend great folk quality to the flag's presentation, which is further augmented by inconsistencies in the printing, especially along the fly end of the blue canton. While it is not uncommon for 19th century printed flags to have stars that vary in their vertical alignment (point in various directions), it is very rare for a parade flag to have stars that have completely random placement with no semblance of rows or columns. Only one other printed flag is known with a random star pattern, a small flag with 13 stars, which brings the grand total to three known examples, all of which I have been privileged to own.

Printed wool flags in this size range are known to have been used as Union Army camp colors, marking tents in Union encampments. I have seen four such flags in a slightly shorter length, but basically the same height, two of which survived on their original 9-foot staffs with embossed medallions that clearly identified their purpose. This variety is longer and has a different star arrangement, but more likely than not, it served the same function. Most printed flags are parade flags, intended for one day's use at a parade or rally, but wool sheds water, was the choice for all maritime flags produced during the 19th century and prior, and printed wool flags were designed for extended use.

On this particular flag, cotton bindings are treadle-sewn at both the hoist and fly ends for added stability. These appear to have been applied close to the date of the flag's manufacture, but they are unusual and thus probably not original. I expect both of these reinforcements were done in the field, or at a supply depot at the request of an officer.

West Virginia was admitted into the Union as the 35th state on June 20th, 1863, and the 35 star flag was used during the closing years of the Civil War. Although 35 was the official star count until July 4th, 1865, most flag makers would have added a 36th star after 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.

Mounting: Silk of similar coloration was sewn to the back of the flag to mask losses. The flag was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton rag mat. It was then placed behind u.v. protective glass in a substantial and unusual, circa 1830-1850, mahogany frame with a double-beveled profile. Spacers were used to keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: The stripe area of the flag has a moderate mothing, particularly along the edges. The canton has only minor mothing. A section of the hoist end binding was removed, probably when the flag was removed from its stick. The flag's extreme rarity as the only known example warrants practically any condition. In addition, many buyers prefer their flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
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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