| A MASTERPIECE AMONG KNOWN EXAMPLES: AMAZINGLY GRAPHIC FLAG WITH 37 SIX-POINTED STARS IN A SPECTACULAR DOUBLE-WREATH STYLE MEDALLION, POSSIBLY WITH A PRO-UNION MESSAGE, INSCRIBED WITH THE INTIALS "A.P." AND THE NAME "PURSEL." NEBRASKA STATEHOOD, 1867-1876; EXHIBITED AT THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION FROM JUNE – SEPTEMBER, 2021 |
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| Web ID: | 37j-839 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 80.5" x 121" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 68.25" x 108.5" |
| Description: | |
| 37 star American national flag with its stars arranged in a configuration that falls among the best that I have ever encountered on a 19th century example. This consists of a dynamic double-wreath style medallion that incorporates three sizes of stars, each of which has six points. Like many medallion patterns, the focal point is a large center star, surrounded by consecutive rings. In this case these consist of 8 and 12 stars respectively. Most are then flanked by a single star in each corner. This one, however, exhibits groups of 4. Each of these has a large star (though smaller than the central one) at the furthest point, corralled on the interior by an arch of 3 stars. When this elaborate design is executed with six-pointed stars, the result is not unlike an elaborately exploding firework, with an impressive visual impact. Just as there was no official configuration for the stars on the American flag until 1912, there was likewise no official format for the stars themselves, which could appear with any number of points. In spite of this fact, the distribution of flags made prior to that year that have stars with greater or fewer than five points is exceptionally rare, representing far less than one percent of known examples. Although there is a great deal of hidden symbolism in American flags of the late antebellum and in those made throughout the Civil War, it is difficult to know if there is any particular meaning here. In present times, one might attempt to draw a parallel between the profile of the stars and the Star of David, though this symbol, better known as the Shield of David in the 19th century and prior, was not in widespread use by members of the Jewish faith until the 20th century. Whatever the case may be, from both a folk art perspective, as well as within the category of rarity, the flag excels to a level beyond most all of its peers and is simply beautiful to behold. Nebraska joined the Union as the 37th state on March 1st, 1867, shortly following Lincoln’s death and the close of the Civil War. Per the Third Flag Act of 1818, stars were to be added on Independence Day for any new states that had been added throughout the preceding "flag year." The 37 star flag thus became official on July 4th, 1867 and remained so until July 3rd, 1877. Flag-makers cared little for official star counts. Preferring what made most practical sense, stars were typically added as soon as a new state was in, if not even sometimes even beforehand, in hopeful anticipation. Because Colorado gained statehood on August 1st, 1876, and nearly everyone seems to have presumed it was coming, flag-makers generally produced 38 star flags for the celebration of our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence, that took place in that year. Some flag-makers actually elected to make 39 star flags, adding two stars instead of one, in hopeful anticipation that the Dakota Territory would also gain statehood, though this would not occur for another 13 years, when the Dakotas arrived as two separate states. 13 star flags were also prevalent in the year of our nation's centennial, to reflect the original 13 colonies From the surviving number of 37 star flags, it seems obvious that few flag-makers chose the official, 37 star count for centennial festivities. The presence of both dated examples and datable photographs proves that some were indeed displayed, however, and while undated, 1876 manufacture is a distinct possibility in the case of this particular flag, if simply because the centennial brought forth an incredible host of fantastically interesting designs. Flags made between the close of the Civil war and the 1876 centennial tend to be less interesting from a graphic perspective, while the patriotism of the Civil War and the national celebration brought forth an abundance of creativity. Evidence of a smaller, star-shaped piece of fabric, formerly appliquéd on top of the center star, in a size approximately equal to those around it, may have been added to the flag to reflect Colorado's addition. Per what we know today about anticipatory star counts, this may have occurred either before or after the state was actually in. Adding a smaller star on top of a bigger one was anything but common, however, and it is impossible to know the precise reason for its addition of this one, and/or its subsequent extraction. The initials "A.P." are penciled along the hoist binding, adjacent to the canton, and the name "Persel" is inscribed vertically in one of the white stripes, adjacent to the fly end. It was common to mark flags in this fashion during the 19th and early 20th centuries to indicate ownership. Three men by this surname, with this spelling, are recorded as having served during the Civil War. Two of them survived it, though neither with a first initial "A." George W. Persel (no residence listed) mustered into Company "G" of the 20th Ohio at the rank of Private on May 5th, 1861, serving just three months. Robert Persel of Columbia County, Pennsylvania mustered into Company "E" of the 209th Pennsylvania Volunteers at the rank of Private on September 9th, 1864 and served until May 31st, 1865. Because many spelling errors were made in records of enlistment, variations should be considered. Fourteen men served with the name Persell, plus one by the name of Persels. Among these nine survived the war and two were officers. Alexander S. Persell (no residence listed) mustered into Company "C" of the 122nd Ohio as a Corporal on August 22nd, 1862 at the age of 31. Promoted to Sergeant on April 15th, 1865, he mustered out on June 26th of that year, and is the only one with any of the three spelling variations that has the correct first initial to match. By way of rank and involvement, he would be a prime candidate for further research as a possible owner. While none of these soldiers may have, in fact, owned the flag, prolific use of the American flag by veterans and their families makes them worthy of careful consideration, and examination of the above list is especially relevant here, given that all three spellings are unusual, and that their total comprises just 18 of the 2,213,363 men who served the Union Army just prior to the flag's manufacture. The size of the flag is impressive but manageable. During the 19th century, very few flags with pieced-and-sewn construction were made in the sizes we find common today. Prior to 1890, sewn flags were typically 8 feet long and larger on the fly. Garrison flags were usually between 35 and 45 feet. A 6 foot flag was considered small. At a full 9 feet on the fly, this large scale textile is typical of its time in that regard. Flags needed to be large in order to serve their purpose as signals. Even decorative flags, such as this one, were large by tradition. All-in-all a marvelous example of the period. Construction: The stars of the flag are made of cotton and double-appliquéd (meaning that they were applied to both sides) with treadle stitching. The canton is made of merino wool and the stripes are made of plain weave cotton, all of which were pieced and sewn by treadle stitching. Note how the color of the canton has faded to an attractive shade of sea foam blue-green. This is less likely a function of exposure to light than it is to the dye having had a fugitive quality. There is a narrow cotton binding along the hoist, along which a series of five small brass rings were stitched so that the flag could be tied to a wooden staff. Lengths of flat cotton cord, perhaps once shoe laces, are looped and tied at the top and bottommost rings. There is a twill cotton tape binding along the fly end. This is an unusual feature that I always like to see, not only because of its scarcity, but even more so because of its positive visual qualities. Provenance: Exhibited from June 12th – September 6th, 2021 at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, in an exhibit entitled “Flags & Founding Documents.” [The flag portion of this curated by Jeff Bridgman.] Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation from one of the nation’s top programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza for support on ever seam and throughout the star field. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black fabric was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. Framing & U.V. protective glazing are included. Condition: There is very minor mothing in the canton, accompanied by wear from use in the extreme upper, hoist-end corner. The canton has experienced moderate to significant fading, but eh resulting color is especially intriguing. There are very minor holes and losses elsewhere and there is very minor soiling and oxidation. In these regards the flag survives in an excellent state of preservation, especially given its size and cotton construction. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings |
| Flag Type: | Sewn flag |
| Star Count: | 37 |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1867 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1876 |
| State/Affiliation: | Nebraska |
| War Association: | 1866-1890 Indian Wars |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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