Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  34 STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITH A LARGE, HALOED CENTER STAR, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, 1861-63, KANSAS STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 18.75" x 21.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 10" x 14.5"
Description....:
34 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton and bearing a beautiful medallion configuration that has a large, haloed center star. This is one of the boldest wreath pattern designs of the Civil War era. Although the name of the maker of this flag is unknown, the company is known to have produced at least five other star counts with haloed center stars. Examples exist with 30, 31, 35, 36, and 42 stars. Three examples also exist, probably from different makers, that bear 13 stars. One dates to 1856 and was made for the presidential campaign of James Buchanan. Another was made for the 1860 presidential campaign of John Bell, who ran against Abraham Lincoln, as an independent, on the Constitutional Union Party ticket. Another style, printed on a wool and cotton blended fabric, dates to the 1876 centennial and all of its 13 stars have halos.

Kansas was admitted into the Union as the 34th state on January 29th, 1861, about 2½ months before the Confederate assault on Fort Sumter that 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: The antique frame dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. Made of solid chestnut or oak, it has a double-beveled profile and retains its original varnished surface, which has great, appealing craquelure. The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by masters degree trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples; more than anyone worldwide.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is minor foxing and staining. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use and the great scarcity of this example warrants practically any condition.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 34
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1863
State/Affiliation: Kansas
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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