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  37 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH LINEAL ROWS OF "DANCING" OR "TUMBLING" STARS, NEBRASKA STATEHOOD, 1867-1876, THE ERA OF AMERICAN RECONSTRUCTION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 24" x 31.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 16" x 23.75"
Description....:
37 star American national parade flag, printed on silk. The stars are configured in justified lineal rows of 6-6-6-7-6-6. Note how they are oriented so that they alternate point-up, point-down consecutively throughout the field, which results in what I have termed “dancing” or “tumbling” stars.

One might expect that this layout, with an extra star squeezed into in the 4th row, may have progressed from a previous arrangement of 36 stars in 6 rows of 6, with stars appearing in columns that alternated point-up, point-down from one to the next across the canton. In spite of this fact, I have never encountered a 36 star parade flag of any kind in that design, in any format, size, or fabric.

Silk was the finest and most expensive material used in flag-making and the colors employed were often stunning. That is no exception here. Note the particularly vibrant shades of scarlet red and royal blue, which are especially striking.

Nebraska joined the Union as the 37th state on March 1st, 1867. The 37 star flag was official from that year until July 4th, 1877, although it generally fell from use in 1875 or 1876 with the impending addition of more states. 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 used, which followed the Civil War, yet preceded the 1876 anniversary of American independence, and encompassed most of Southern Reconstruction. While the 37 star flag was still official in 1876, it was well known that at least one or possibly two more states would be joining the Union that year. This caused flag makers to cease production in favor of 38 and 39 star flags. It was for this reason that 37 star parade flags were seldom produced for the Centennial International Exposition, where 38, 39, and 13 star counts, (the latter to commemorate the 13 original colonies,) were far more prevalent.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and presentation of flags and have preserved thousands of examples.

The antique molding dates to the period between 1870 and 1890, is made of solid walnut, and retains its original gilded liner. The background fabric is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas).

Condition: Exceptional, with just extremely tiny flecks of staining.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 37
Earliest Date of Origin: 1867
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: Nebraska
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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