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  35 STARS, 1863-65, WEST VIRGINIA STATEHOOD, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, VERTICALLY ORIENTED CANTON, ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 56.5" x 72.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 45.25" x 61.25"
Description....:
35 STARS, 1863-65, WEST VIRGINIA STATEHOOD, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, VERTICALLY ORIENTED CANTON, ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN:

35 star American national flag of the Civil War period, entirely hand-sewn of cotton bunting. The most notable features in this homemade flag can be found in its canton, which has an unusual, sky blue coloration and an interesting orientation. Much taller than it is long, the vertical format isn't often seen in homemade flags, but it is a characteristic that is shared with many Union infantry battle flags of the period, which are also, like this flag, near-to-square in their overall proportions. Some homemade flags are made in this style, but they are the exception, as most maintain a more traditional, elongated shape. There were no official proportions until 1912, so just about anything can be encountered, especially in homemade designs.

The size of this flag suggests that it may have been made to be presented to a unit when it mustered into service, with the intent that it be carried until the group took possession of its state-issued colors. It may also have been made for general patriotic purpose.

The flag is constructed entirely of cotton. The stripes are sewn with a running stitch that is finely executed. The stars are rather crudely cut and appliqued, but they are large and bold, taking up most of the available space. Applique work is far harder than piecework, so it is not surprising to encounter this manner of construction, particularly in a flag that was made by someone who was not regularly employed in the task. There is a white cotton hoist. The flag was tacked to a staff, rather than affixed with a rope and grommets, which isn't unusual for a lightweight flag of the period. Cotton was a poor fabric for outdoor signals, as it absorbs water, which adds weight and encourages rot, but it was the fabric of choice for homemade flags, because it was both cheap and widely available.

West Virginia was admitted into the Union as the 35th State on June 20th, 1863, and this flag was used during the closing years of the Civil War. Although 35 was the official star count until July 4th, 1865, most flag makers would have added a 36th star with the addition of Nevada on October 31st, 1864. This means that 35 star flags were realistically produced for less than a year and a half. They are significantly more scarce than 34 and 36 star examples, which also makes them more interesting to collectors.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field. The flag was then hand-sewn to background of 100% cotton, black in color, which has been washed to remove 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. The flag was then placed in a black-painted and hand-gilded, contemporary Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas.

Condition: There are minor holes, primarily located in the stripes. 100% natural fabric of similar coloration was placed behind some of these areas for masking purposes. There is minor foxing, staining, and fading, but the overall presentation and condition are excellent for the period.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 35
Earliest Date of Origin: 1863
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: West Virginia
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: Please email or call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
 

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