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  37 HAND-SEWN, SINGLE- APPLIQUED STARS ON A FLAG WITH SMALLER THAN USUAL DIMENSIONS FOR THE PERIOD, 1867-1876, NEBRASKA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 56.5" x 77"
Flag Size (H x L): 46.5" x 67"
Description....:
37 HAND-SEWN, SINGLE- APPLIQUED STARS ON A FLAG WITH SMALLER THAN USUAL DIMENSIONS FOR THE PERIOD, 1867-1876, NEBRASKA STATEHOOD:

37 star American National flag in a great state of preservation and in a relatively small scale for the mid-19th century. The stars of the flag are arranged in rows of 6-6-6-7-6-6, made of cotton, hand-sewn and single-appliqued. This means that they were applied to one side of the canton, then the fabric was cut from behind each star, folded over, and under-hemmed, so that one appliqued star could be visible on both sides of the flag. While some flag experts have suggested that this method was a means of conserving fabric, since the maker didn't have to sew a star to both sides, others suggest that the real purpose was to make the flag lighter in weight. I believe it may have been a function of both of these goals and I always find single-appliqued stars more interesting, because they are almost always more visually interesting. This is due to the fact that the two fabrics (canton and star), when joined in this fashion, stretch at different rates over time. The result is stars that are often more crude, misshapen, and generally more whimsical in their appearance. With two rows of stitching instead of one, they also appear earlier and more hand-made. In addition to these attributes, I also prefer this method of applique work because it is evidence of a more difficult level of seam-work and stitchery.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been joined with treadle stitching. This is the most common method for the 37-star period. There is a linen binding along the hoist, with two brass grommets. A numeral "6" is stenciled near the top on the obverse, which indicates the length of the flag on the fly, "6 feet".

The 37th state, Nebraska, joined the Union in 1867, shortly following Lincoln's death and the close of the Civil War. It was the primary flag flown during Reconstruction of the South and was used through approximately half the Indian Wars period, but the lack of major patriotic events during this era and the surplus of Civil War period flags led to much lower production. For this reason, 37 star flags are quite scarce compared with the Civil War period flags that preceded them and the flags made for the 1876 centennial.

Despite the fact that the 37 star flag remained official until 1877, flag-makers generally produced 38 star flags for the 100-year anniversary of our nation's independence, along with 13 star flags to commemorate the original colonies. By 1876 it was well known that at least one new state, Colorado, would soon join the Union. That circumstance caused flag-makers to cease production of flags with 37 stars in favor of 38. It had been nine years since a new star was added, so flag-makers were anxious to add a star and give the American people a reason to buy new flags. Some produced 39 star flags in anticipation that two new states would soon join the Union instead of just one. Both these and the 38 star flags made during that year were unofficial, of course, but there were no flag police, so speculation led the way to new flags with the hope to increase sales.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, 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, which 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 acrylic.

Condition: The flag is in outstanding condition, with only the most minor wear. It scores a near 10 on a 1-10 scale when compared to other examples of the period.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 37
Earliest Date of Origin: 1867
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: Nebraska
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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