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  RARE, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, SOUTHERN-EXCLUSIONARY FLAG WITH 25 STARS, ARRANGED IN A BEAUTIFUL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, ON A CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON, LATE WAR, 1864-65

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 59" x 101"
Flag Size (H x L): 48" x 88"
Description....:
RARE, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, SOUTHERN-EXCLUSIONARY FLAG WITH 25 STARS, ARRANGED IN A BEAUTIFUL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, ON A CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON, LATE WAR, 1864-65:

25 star American national flag with a striking medallion configuration. This consists of a huge center star, surrounded by two wreaths of stars, with a flanking star in each corner of the bold, cornflower blue canton. Note how the division of the stars required the spacing in the outer-most wreath to be inordinately wide between each star compared to those in the inner wreath. This results in an unusually whimsical design.

The symbolism in this star count reflects Northern patriotism and the secession of the slave states. It's what flag collectors call a "Southern-exclusionary" count, removing the Southern states from the flag. During the Civil War, Lincoln's goal was to preserve the Union. It was his intent not to recognize secession of the South and to fight for the right of freedom for all Americans living within these respective states. And it is for this reason that the president fervently pleaded, as well as officially required, that those stars representing the secessionist states be kept on the national flag.

During the 19th century, flags made under government contract generally held to the few official specifications that were in effect at the time (namely the official number of stars and stripes). Individuals generally did what they wished, however, and all manner of liberties were taken with the design of the Stars & Stripes. This is especially true with regard to the manufacture of wartime flags, where there was much to express. So many instances are seen in surviving flags of this era, particularly on homemade flags, where the star count was reduced to exclude the Southern states. This is one such instance.

Because the number of Confederate states grew from 7 to 11 in 1861, and because there were between 4 and 5 Border States with a distinctly Southern lean (4 until 1863 and 5 thereafter), the star count on a Southern exclusionary flag can be calculated in a number of ways. In this case, 25 is a rather straight-forward number. This count would represent a late war flag, with the 36 official states (after October 31st, 1864) less the official total of 11 Confederate states.

The flag is made entirely of cotton. The stars are hand-sewn and double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the canton). The canton and stripes are joined with treadle stitching. A cotton sleeve was treadle-sewn to the hoist end, to which several small tabs were applied in order that the flag may be affixed to a staff.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support. The flag was then 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 and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind any necessary areas for masking purposes. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor to moderate foxing and staining throughout, accompanied by various minor to moderate tears and fabric loss. The flag has a great presentation, however, and 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: 34
Earliest Date of Origin: 1864
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: Other
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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