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  48 STARS, CIVIL WAR VETERANS REUNION OVERPRINT, W.L. BAKER POST, NORTHAMPTON, MA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): 17.25" x 27"
Description....:
48 STARS, CIVIL WAR VETERANS REUNION OVERPRINT, W.L. BAKER POST, NORTHAMPTON, MA: 48 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, highly glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in offset rows, which was not the official 48-star configuration imposed by President Taft, and is usually present in only those flags that date to 1913 and prior. Also interesting is the bright blue coloration of the canton, which is striking. Overprinted in the stripe area, in black ink, is the following text: W.L BAKER POST NO. 86 DEPT. OF MASS. G.A.R. The G.A.R., or Grand Army of the Republic, was the primary veterans association for Union Civil War soldiers. Its members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, attended parades and reunions, and the organization was somewhat more fraternal in nature than today's VFW or American Foreign Legion. Post No. 86 was located in Northampton, MA, the future home of Smith College and a rather beautiful town set in the western part of the state, very near the eastern edge of the Berkshires. Posts were typically named after a soldier who fought gallantly, was a valiant leader, or had a particularly endearing story. There were two soldiers who could have fit this name and served in Massachusetts regiments. Walter L. Baker fought with the 7th Independent Battery of the Massachusetts Light Artillery. William L. Baker fought with the 38th Regiment of the Massachusetts Infantry. Both men mustered in and out as privates, and while I spent some time researching them and their respective units, I was unable to find enough information to make the determination as to which man was the namesake of that particular post, or why he was chosen. Flags overprinted for the purpose of advertising are a specialized form in American flag collecting. 48 star flags with overprinted and hand-written dates have been seen as early as 1896, and 45 star flags, dating from 1890-1896, are known with notched designs that leaves 4 spaces open for the 4 western territories yet to come. It was therefore well known that 4 additional states would eventually be added, and flag makers anticipated their arrival by the making of 48 star flags far earlier than one might ever expect. Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1913
State/Affiliation: Massachusetts
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: No
 

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