Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  VERY RARE 1865 ABRAHAM LINCOLN MOURNING FLAG, PRINTED ON PAPER

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 8' x 10.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 5.5" x 8"
Description....:
VERY RARE 1865 ABRAHAM LINCOLN MOURNING FLAG, PRINTED ON PAPER:

34 star paper flag with red and black stripes, made to mourn Lincoln's death following his 1865 assassination. These handheld flags or flyers were probably handed out as services were held in memoriam and the funeral train made its procession back to Illinois. The train made a wide tour with his body before he was laid to rest, and mourners waved all manner of flags in respect of his great service to our nation.

This rare flag is related to a group of similarly rare paper mourning flags, that are occasionally found attached to wooden or wire staffs. The others, which appear to exist in a series of 5, are flat (not waving). The unusual star configuration in the canton of this flag, however, is nearly identical to that on one of the other known varieties. The weight of the paper and printing are also alike.

Mounting: The flag has been pressure-mounted between 100% cotton velvet and u.v. protective acrylic. It was then placed in a black-painted and gilded molding that dates to the period between 1830 and 1870.

Condition: There is some foxing and light ink transfer from another similar card that laid on top of it, but the overall condition is excellent for this period. Paper flags rarely survived.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 34
Earliest Date of Origin: 1865
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: Kansas
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 2770