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  18 STAR, 11 STRIPE, LOUISIANA SECESSIONIST FLAG, CIVIL WAR PERIOD (1861-65)

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 48" x 82"
Flag Size (H x L): 34" x 71"
Description....:
18 STAR, 11 STRIPE, LOUISIANA SECESSIONIST FLAG, CIVIL WAR PERIOD (1861-65):

One of the things that makes 19th century American flags so interesting is the individualism and expression put forth in homemade examples, especially during the emotionally driven fervor of wartime. At these points in American history, characteristics of flag design, made official or customary by any entity, generally went out the window. For example, while President Lincoln pleaded with Northerners to keep the full complement of stars on the flag, representing both Union and Confederate States, there were those that didn't listen and created "Southern exclusionary" flags through the removal of the number of stars that represented Southern States.

However unlikely it may seem, there was actually limited wartime production of Stars & Stripes in the South. Here the opposite sometimes occurred. During the search for Confederate banners and battle colors, Stars & Stripes were sometimes produced that removed the stars of Northern States. In some cases, the number of stripes was likewise altered. 11-stripe flags exist that are thought by some experts to reference the number of Confederate States that ratified secession. This 18-star, 11-stripe flag commemorates Louisiana and is one such example. Found in nearby Texas, the 18 stars likely represent Louisiana's addition to the Union as the 18th state in 1812.

Two similar flags exist that also glorify Louisiana. Both of these have just 6 stars to represent the secession of Louisiana in 1861, as opposed to its addition. One of these resides in a museum collection in Minnesota. The other was found in the possession of a New Orleans family.

Some Southerners were hesitant to immediately abandon the Stars & Stripes because it had been, of course, their flag too since 1777. Unlike the populations of more vocal and rebellious states, such as South Carolina, the people of Louisiana were more moderate in their views about the merits of war. Although it became the 6th state to leave the Union during the initial wave of secession, Louisiana's cooperation with its Southern neighbors was a bit more politically driven, fueled by the need to conform with its neighbors and not be left alone as some sort of ant-secessionist outpost in the Deep South. This might explain why a small number of Stars & Stripes variations have been found, in or about Louisiana, which have obvious Southern sympathy traits and simultaneously display local patriotism. In any event, it is interesting to see these conditions exist on a symbol that most other Confederates had already shunned and abandoned.

A fourth example related to Louisiana secession shares the 6-star trait, with the stars arranged in two crescents (New Orleans is known as the Crescent City) on a field of three stripes (or bars), not unlike the Confederate Stars & Bars. The bars are arranged in the order blue, white, red, however, instead of red, white, red.

The 18-star, 11-stripe flag in question has a variety of other interesting features, some of which are visually striking. One of these can be seen in its stars, which are reverse-appliqued. This means that the stars are shapes cut into a length of blue cloth, which has been laid over a white ground. The edges of the stars were professionally finished, with their edges turned under and have features, which is highly unusual in early flag-making. The shape of the stars exhibit great folk qualities, including a lot of irregularity, accompanied by pointy, elongated arms. Also note the cornflower blue coloration of the canton itself, which is very attractive. The red stripes of the flag, which is one-sided, were also laid over the white ground. These are whipped out at the end from obvious extended use.

In summary, this is a highly unusual Civil War flag with desirable Southern sympathy traits and great folk features.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field for support. It was then sewn to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which has been washed to reduce excess dye. And acid-free agent was added to 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 front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor staining throughout, accompanied by moderate fabric loss and tears at the fly end from obvious use. The overall presentation is excellent.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 18
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: Louisiana
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: Sold
 

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