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  RARE 9 STAR PARADE FLG WITH AN OVAL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, PROBABLY WITH A NEW HAMPSHIRE RELATIONSHIP, THOUGH POSSIBLY CONFEDERATE SYMPATHIZER, 1876-1900

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 7.5" x 6"
Flag Size (H x L): 4" x 2.25"
Description....:
RARE 9 STAR PARADE FLG WITH AN OVAL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, PROBABLY WITH A NEW HAMPSHIRE RELATIONSHIP, THOUGH POSSIBLY CONFEDERATE SYMPATHIZER, 1876-1900:

9 star version of the Stars & Stripes with an oval medallion configuration of stars that includes a large center star and lacks the usual flanking stars in each corner. Lack of the corner stars and the oval shape are very rare characteristics for 19th century printed flags, which, when added to the star count and visual presentation, create good reason why this flag should be interesting to advanced collectors.

Made sometime between 1876 and the 1890's, this particular flag has 9 stars for one of two possible reasons. I think it likely that the flag was made to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the addition of New Hampshire, which became our 9th state to ratify the United States Constitution on June 21st, 1878. Since 9 states were needed for ratification, this was a landmark event in American history. Use of a 9 star flag with 13 stripes would reflect the great significance New Hampshire's role among the original 13 colonies on this occasion and create the perfect flag for celebration of statehood.

The flag may alternatively have been made in the same era to reflect the secession of Arkansas from the Union. This scenario is less likely, but should be stated as a possibility, because Arkansas became the 9th state to secede from the Union on May 6, 1861. Both during and following the war, Northern children waved 13 star flags at some patriotic events to represent the 13 original colonies, yet some of their southern counterparts waved little 7 and 8 star parade flags, and maybe these similar 9 star flags, as a subtle means of displaying their Confederate loyalties. I am quite certain that the 7 and 8 star parade flags convey a southern message, as they represent the initial wave of secession (7 states basically left at one time) and the addition of the 8th state to add itself to that list, Virginia. Virginia has always been a proud, prominent, politically active, wealthy and historic state where production of flags to reflect its history could be expected to occur. But Arkansas, less wealthy and seldom in the limelight, would be a less likely location where such flags would be made or used with this specific attribution. Virginia, bordering Washington, would also have more reason to be more politically conscious.

Parade flags with oval star patterns comprise just a small fraction of a percentage of all known printed flags, and only a small handful of different styles are represented among them. Among these small flags with odd, low star counts (fewer than 13), those with 7 stars are the most common. 9 star flags are far and away less common comprising about 1% of the total. Those with 8 stars are just as rare.

Mounting: The gilded molding dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton rag mat. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 09
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1900
State/Affiliation: New Hampshire
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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