Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  35 STARS, USED IN THE 1868 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF ULYSSES S. GRANT, A RARE, MEDALLION PATTERN PARADE FLAG WITH A LARGE, PIE-CUT CENTER STAR AND TWO STARS IN EACH CORNER, PRODUCED IN THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD, 1863-65

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 16.75" x 19.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 7.5" x 10.5"
Description....:
35 STARS, USED IN THE 1868 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF ULYSSES S. GRANT, A RARE, MEDALLION PATTERN PARADE FLAG WITH A LARGE, PIE-CUT CENTER STAR AND TWO STARS IN EACH CORNER, PRODUCED IN THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD, 1863-65:

35 star American national parade flag with some rare and beautiful features. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that consists of a large center star, surrounded by two wreaths of stars, with two stars flanking in each corner of the blue canton. Most medallion designs have a single star in each corner. Multiple stars in this position are both rare and highly desired, and they introduce a visual element that differs from the norm.

An even more design element can be found in the center star, which is particularly huge with respect to those around it and is divided in a pie-cut fashion into to five diamond-shaped segments. This is extraordinarily unusual and visually intriguing, as well.

Of further interest is the extra swath of white below the 13th stripe. This isn't a 14th stripe, as some might guess, but is rather open white space from the original bolt of fabric that lay outside the intended image. Although the parade flag was inappropriately cut, this extra fabric adds yet another visual feature that is uncommon and highly desirable.

The date "1868" and the name "Grant" are written with a dip pen beneath the canton. These refer to the 1868 presidential campaign of General Ulysses S. Grant and denote that the flag was present at either a campaign rally or in celebration of his victory. Handwritten text of this nature is sought-after by collectors because of both the specific history and the personal element that are present in its archeology. With regard to antique American flags, this element is particularly important when the person(s) or events are of historical importance, and even more so if they are popular household names, as-is the case with anything related to U.S. presidents such as Grant, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

The name "Mabel" is written with a pencil on the reverse. This denotes the name of a former owner. This does not add great value, but does provide modest additional interest. This flag is one of two that I know to exist in this style, both of which are dated, noted, and signed in the same fashion.

Add all of the above together and the result is a terrific example of an American flag with specific history from the Civil War and post-War era.

West Virginia entered the Union as the 35th state on June 20th, 1863, and this flag was used during the closing years of the Civil War. Although 35 was the official star count until July 4th, 1865, most flag making that was not under military contract would have included a 36th star after the addition of Nevada on October 31st, 1864. This means that 35 star flags were realistically produced for less than a year and a half.

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 and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose.

Condition: There is minor to moderate foxing and staining. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 35
Earliest Date of Origin: 1863
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: West Virginia
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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