Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  36 STARS IN A VERY ODD LINEAL CONFIGURATION FOR THIS STAR COUNT AND WITH GOLD WOOLEN FRINGE, CIVIL WAR ERA, NEVADA STATEHOOD, 1864-1867, THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE IN THIS STYLE, POSSIBLY A UNION ARMY CAMP MARKER

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 19" x 25.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 10.5" x 16.5"
Description....:
36 STARS IN A VERY ODD LINEAL CONFIGURATION FOR THIS STAR COUNT AND WITH GOLD WOOLEN FRINGE, CIVIL WAR ERA, NEVADA STATEHOOD, 1864-1867, THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE IN THIS STYLE, POSSIBLY A UNION ARMY CAMP MARKER:

36 star American national flag, printed on a wool and cotton blended fabric. The stars are arranged in a lineal pattern that I have never seen before in this star count, with 4 rows of 7 stars flanking an offset row of 8 in the center. A gold, wool fringe is hand-sewn to the flag on the top, bottom, and fly end.

Wool content made flags more durable than those printed on silk or cotton, and was thus appropriate for longer-term outdoor use. Wool sheds water and was the best storm-worthy fabric available for flag-making in the 19th century. Printed wool flags eventually made their way to private use, but their initial purpose seems to have been for U.S. military, ground-force colors and naval ensigns. For this reason, the possibility is likely that the flag may have been produced with the intent that it be used as a Union Army camp marker of some nature. Flown outside officers' tents, military camp colors in Stars & Stripes format are rare in the antiques marketplace. The size is atypically small, but is similar to other identified camp colors that are press-dyed on wool bunting, as well as some that I also suspect to be camp colors, which are also printed on the same wool and cotton blended fabric.

The colors of the flag are strong and attractive. This is the only example that I have ever seen in this exact design.

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, with the addition of Nebraska.

Mounting: The beautiful gilded molding has a raised, convex center and dates to the period between 1830 and 1850. The flag has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The background fabric was washed to remove excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: Excellent. There are no significant condition issues.
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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