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  36 STAR OVERPRINTED PARADE FLAG, MADE FOR THE 1868 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF GRANT & COLFAX

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 19.25" x 24.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.5" x 17"
Description....:
36 STAR OVERPRINTED PARADE FLAG, MADE FOR THE 1868 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF GRANT & COLFAX:

Fantastic 36 star parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, used in the 1868 presidential campaign of Ulysses S. Grant & Schuyler Colfax. With its bold, oversized, serpentine text and rather odd medallion star configuration, the visual qualities of this exceptionally rare flag rival those of the best known examples. Rarer star patterns may exist in the flags of other presidential campaigns, and there are Grant-related flags with pictures of the candidates (portrait flags), but no other Grant-related example significantly outdoes this flag from a graphics standpoint.

At first glance, the configuration of the stars seems to be some sort of hybrid between wreath and linear designs. Closer inspection reveals a crude interpretation of a triple-wreath pattern, with the traditional center star and flanking stars in each corner, but with some obvious peculiarities. Take note of how some of the stars can be lined up in linear rows, running this way and that in the canton. This characteristic isn?t present in a typical wreath design. Also note how close some of the stars are to one-another versus others. Lack of regularity in the placement of the wreaths, the outmost of which stretches near to the very borders of the union, plus irregularity in the shape and size of the stars, adds great folk qualities to the design. Even more compelling, however, is the cartoon-ish lettering, including the large, misshapen period after Colfax, and the ogee curve of Grant?s name. Strong color lends yet another factor, and the sum of all the above yields one of the best parade flags I have ever had the privilege to own.

Eight different varieties of Grant & Colfax parade flags are pictured in Threads of History: Americana Recorded on Cloth, 1775 to the Present, by Herbert Ridgeway Collins (1979, Smithsonian Press). This example is not recorded, however, and as few as three are though to exist. Collins formerly served as Curator of Political History at the Smithsonian Institution and his text is widely agreed to be the best available reference for American political textiles.

Grant's hero status won him the 1868 Republican nomination. He was elected, and although many shortcomings would cause Grant's presidency to be widely criticized, he was known to be terminally honest, exceptionally loyal to his friends and staff (sometimes to a fault), and he was re-elected in 1872. While in office, he fought for equal voting rights for people of all races and colors, pushing the 15th amendment to its 1870 ratification. Grant strove to maintain order in the south with brute force, using the military to protect African Americans and combat southern extremists and hate groups, such as the Klu Klux Klan, which had been established in 1866 and was experiencing rapid growth. Grant died in 1885 and interment took place in New York City (Grant's Tomb).

The 36th state, Nevada, gained statehood during the civil war in 1864. Makers of parade flags would have added a star to their flags at this time, but the 36 star flag did not become official until July 4th, 1865, after the war?s end. It was replaced by the 37 star flag in 1867. Note that 36 is one star short of the official star count in 1868. This is sometimes the case with political campaign flags, which often have a number of stars that is one or more behind what was official in the election year. Sometimes campaigning may have started before the election year. At other times the star count probably wasn?t that important to the person ordering these small, printed flags. The purchaser might have frequently been the campaign manager, but may sometimes have been a private individual who supported the candidate politically and wanted to make a classy display at his/her home or business along the campaign route.
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 36
Earliest Date of Origin: 1867
Latest Date of Origin: 1868
State/Affiliation: Nevada
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: No
 

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