Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  21 STARS, AN EXTRAORDINARY SOUTHERN-EXCLUSIONARY FLAG, OPENING TWO YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-63, RARE MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITHOUT CORNER STARS

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 69.5" x 106"
Flag Size (H x L): 58" x 94.5"
Description....:
21 STARS, AN EXTRAORDINARY SOUTHERN-EXCLUSIONARY FLAG, OPENING TWO YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-63, RARE MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITHOUT CORNER STARS:

American National Flag of the Civil War period with a simple yet strikingly beautiful arrangement of 21 double-appliqued stars. At the beginning of the war, President Abraham Lincoln fervently urged the American people not to remove the stars from the flag that represented the states that were succeeding from the Union. Lincoln felt strongly that there was great need to demonstrate that he had not written off those Americans living in the South who did not support the ideals of Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy. He also thought there was great need to show both the Nation and the world that we were still a unified body and that he would do everything in his power to ensure victory. But despite Lincoln's pleas, some anti-Southern patriots did as they pleased in regards to the number of stars on the Stars & Stripes, removing those that represented Confederate states. The 21 stars on this particular flag represent the 34 total states during the opening two years of the war (1861-1863), less the 11 that officially seceded, less the two Border States who's populations voted for secession, but which did not officially secede from the Union.

The stars are arranged in what is known as a medallion configuration. Specifically this is a double wreath with a single center star. This particular double-wreath pattern is unusual because it lacks the stars that are usually found outside the outer wreath, flanking it in each corner of the canton. In my opinion, medallion designs that lack flanking corner stars are even more visually attractive than their respective counterparts, because the simpler design is more pleasing to the eye. This is, in fact, one of my all-time favorite star configurations in flag collecting.

Note also the indigo blue color of the canton, which is an unusual color variation and adds a great deal to its visual appeal.

Construction: The stars of the flag are made of cotton, are hand-sewn and double-appliqued. This means that they are applied to both sides of the blue canton. The stripes and canton are made of wool bunting that was pieced and joined with treadle stitching. There is a heavy cotton sleeve, inside which a braided hemp rope has been sewn and affixed for hoisting.

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

Condition: Numerous patches were employed at the fly end to repair losses during its course of use. These represent an expected and customary method of repair for a 19th century flag. Many collectors prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 21
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1863
State/Affiliation: Other
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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