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  36 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG OF THE CIVIL WAR ERA, IN AN ESPECIALLY LARGE SCALE AND WITH ENDEARING WEAR, 1864-67, NEVADA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 32.75" x 46.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 21.25" x 35.5"
Description....:
36 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG OF THE CIVIL WAR ERA, IN AN ESPECIALLY LARGE SCALE AND WITH BOLD COLOR, 1864-67, NEVADA STATEHOOD:

36 star American national flag of the Civil War era, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The 36th state, Nevada, entered the Union during the Civil War on October 31st, 1864. The last Confederate general surrendered on May 26th, 1865. The 36 star flag became official on July 4th of that year, but makers of printed flags would have begun adding a 36th star to their flags in 1864, even before the addition of the new state occurred.

Lincoln pushed Nevada through just 8 days before the November election. Nevada’s wealth in silver was attractive to a nation struggling with the debts of war and increased support for the Republican ticket. The 36 star flag was replaced by the 37 star flag in 1867, following the addition of Nebraska.

Parade flags generally measured three feet or less on the fly. At 35.5" this is a particularly large example. Before 1890 flags with pieced-and-sewn construction were typically 8 feet long and larger. Even infantry battle flags were 6 x 6.5 feet. Because printed parade flags as large as this one are scarce in this period, and sewn flags were seldom ever this small, and because the size is relatively ideal, manageable but large enough to make a bold statement, this is a nice example for a person desiring to have a flag of such size of the Civil War era.

Parade flags were generally meant for one day's use at a parade, political event, or rally of some nature, but this flag was obviously flown for an longer period. The degree of fading and soiling throughout, accompanied by minor losses, provide for an endearing appearance that some flag buyers actually prefer.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, that 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. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective Plexiglas.

Condition: There is moderate to significant fading, pigment loss, and soiling throughout. There are a number of small holes near the fly end, in addition to a small nick along the top stripe and a tiny hole near the hoist end in the bottom stripe. There are tiny tack holes along the hoist end where the flag was affixed to its original wooden staff. There is some extra fabric along the bottom that would have been part of the next flag on the bolt, which is not a negative but is worthy of mention. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 36
Earliest Date of Origin: 1864
Latest Date of Origin: 1867
State/Affiliation: Nevada
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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