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  34 Star American Parade Flag -- Great Star Configuration -- Civil War Period

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): n/a
Flag Size (H x L): 24.5" x 40"
Description....:
34 star American National parade flag, printed on cotton muslin. Among collectors, the great star configuration is the most coveted of all 19th century geometric patterns. Shortly after the War of 1812, Naval hero, Captain Samuel Reid, suggested to the president that this design should be considered the official star pattern. He did so because of his concern that the flag needed to be more recognizable on the open seas, which was the primary reason for the American ensign in the first place. Reid?s proposal was rejected due to the increased cost of arranging the stars in this manner. Never-the-less, since there was no official star pattern, the great star was produced by anyone willing to make it. Its rarity today, along with its beauty, have driven the desirability of American flags with this configuration. Even among great star patterns this is a beautiful flag, both because of the 4 different sizes of stars used in its design and the brilliant blue color of its canton. Another notable trait is that the arms of the star are open. Only 4 stars are used on the great star?s interior. It is this peculiarity that caused some flag collectors to refer to this specific great star arrangement as a great flower, noting the 5 petals. Kansas was admitted into the Union as the 34th state on January 29th, 1861, about 2 ? months before the Confederate assault on Fort Sumter, which marked the beginning of the Civil War. The 34th star was officially added on July 4th of that year, but most flag makers would have added a 34th star with the addition of Kansas in January. The star count remained official until July 4th, 1863, and 34 star flags would have been produced until the addition of West Virginia in June of that year. Mounting: Since this photo was taken, the flag has been framed in a wide, black & gold, Italian molding with a nicely distressed surface. The textile was stitched to 100% black cotton twill and placed over an acid free barrier behind u.v. protective glass. Condition: There are no condition issues past a very minor amount of scattered foxing.
Collector Level:
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 34
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1863
State/Affiliation: Kansas
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: No
 

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