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  36 STARS ON A CIVIL WAR ERA PARADE FLAG, 1864-67, NEVADA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 21" x 28"
Flag Size (H x L): 12" x 18.25"
Description....:
36 STARS ON A CIVIL WAR ERA PARADE FLAG, 1864-67, NEVADA STATEHOOD:

36 star American national flag of the Civil War era, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. Lincoln pushed Nevada through to statehood on October 31st, 1864, during the Civil War, and just 8 days before the November election. The territory’s wealth in silver was attractive to a nation struggling with the debts of war and the president's support of statehood increased support for the Republican ticket. While the 36th star wouldn't officially be added until July 4th of the following year, flag-makers cared little for official counts. Some would have even begun adding the 36th star several months before the addition of Nevada actually occurred and almost all would have added it after Nevada was in. Commercially produced flags with inscribed dates are known as early as July of 1864, four months before Nevada's addition. Adding stars before they were official was common practice during the late 19th century and reflects both the nation's desire for Westward Expansion and the hope of flag-makers to bring new star counts to market before their competitors. The 36 star flag was officially replaced by the 37 star flag in 1867, following the addition of Nebraska.

The stars of the flag all have one point facing upward, which is unusual for the 19th century. The strong color of the tomato red color of the stripes lends to its attractive presentation, as does the unusual weave of the fabric, which sweeps in a semi-circular curve and adds a crude quality.

Mounting: The flag hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black fabric was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the was to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose.

Condition: There are two moderate tears near the hoist end, in the center and at the bottom. There are very minor tack holes and areas of very minor loss surrounding where the flag was affixed to its original wooden staff with metal tacks. There is minor foxing and staining throughout. There is minor fading throughout and an area of modest fading in the stripe field between the canton and the fly end. 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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