Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  36 STARS ON A BRIGHT BLUE CANTON, CIVIL WAR ERA, 1864-1867, NEVADA STATEHOOD, A GREAT FOLK EXAMPLE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 48.75" x 67.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 36" x 54"
Description....:
36 STARS ON A BRIGHT BLUE CANTON, CIVIL WAR ERA, 1864-1867, NEVADA STATEHOOD, A GREAT FOLK EXAMPLE:

36 star American national flag of the Civil War era with a host of desirable features. Entirely hand-sewn and made of fine merino wool, the most notable attributes in this beautiful homemade flag can be found in its canton. Note the striking royal blue coloration, as well as the haphazard rows of fat, starfish-like stars that vary in both shape and orientation on their vertical axis. Note also how the arms of the stars are bent in various directions, which lends a degree of movement to their formation. These traits add a great deal of character to the overall design, which also includes other items of both visual and practical interest. Note how the brilliant scarlet red stripes provide great contrast with their white counterparts and the blue canton, and how the white cotton tabs along the hoist binding contribute to the overall presentation.

While occasionally employed by both professional flag-makers and private individuals, merino wool was certainly a less common choice for flag manufacture. Because wool sheds water, it was a logical choice long-term outdoor use, but wool bunting--a common type of fabric used in the flag industry with an open, gauze-like structure--wasn't widely available in general stores. Even though cotton absorbs water, it was generally plentiful, inexpensive, and the most typical choice for homemade flags. Sheered from the belly of a certain variety of sheep, merino wool was a clothing grade textile. It had a fine weave, silky sheen, and rich, saturated colors, but was more costly.

The scale of the flag is very small in 19th century terms, which is a plus to both casual and serious collectors. because most 19th century flags with pieced-and-sewn construction were 8 feet long or larger, they can be difficult to display in an indoor setting. The smaller they are, the more unusual they become among surviving examples, and the more desirable they are across a wide audience. At just 36 x 54 inches, this is a wonderful, small flag and unusual among Stars & Stripes with this manner of construction, made during the Civil War era. A flag of this nature could have been produced for several different reasons. It may have been made to mourn the death of Abraham Lincoln as his funeral train made its way funeral train made its way back to Illinois, retracing the steps Lincoln had traveled to Washington as the president-elect on his way to his first inauguration. This exceptionally significant event brought hundreds of thousands to the streets and resulted in a tremendous production of flags. It may alternatively have been made to be presented to a regiment to replace a lost or damaged flag, or perhaps to honor the return of a regiment at the war's close. Or it could simply have been made for the general display of patriotism.

Lincoln pushed Nevada through to statehood on October 31st, 1864, during the Civil War, and just 8 days before the November election. The territory’s wealth in silver was attractive to a nation struggling with the debts of war and the president's support of statehood increased support for the Republican ticket. While the 36th star wouldn't officially be added until July 4th of the following year, flag-makers cared little for official counts. Some would have even begun adding the 36th star several months before the addition of Nevada actually occurred and almost all would have added it after Nevada was in. This would be especially true among homemade flags like this one, but can also be seen across commercially produced flags. Professionally-made examples with inscribed dates are known as early as July of that year. Adding stars before they were official was common practice during the late 19th century and reflects both the nation's desire for Westward Expansion and the hope of flag-makers to bring new star counts to market before their competitors. The 36 star flag was officially replaced by the 37 star flag in 1867, following the addition of Nebraska.

A Civil War relationship, small size, excellent choice of fabrics, plus various irregularities and homemade charm fuels the interest of both folk art enthusiasts and flag collectors alike.

Other Construction Notes: Like most wool flags, the stars of this one are made of cotton. These are hand-sewn like the rest of the flag and double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). The white tabs, which were made in open loops to accommodate a wooden staff, are also made of cotton and are stitched to 5 points along the hoist, which was finished by two different methods. The blue fabric of the canton was rolled back onto itself and bound, while the red and white striped register below it was covered with white wool and then bound to a matching width.

Mounting: The flag has been back-stitched to 100% silk organza throughout for support. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black cotton 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. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is moderate staining on the white cotton tabs where metal tacks were once used to affix the flag to a staff. There is minor mothing. The overall condition is excellent among surviving examples and the flag presents beautifully.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 36
Earliest Date of Origin: 1864
Latest Date of Origin: 1867
State/Affiliation: Nevada
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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