Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 45” x 65”
Flag Size (H x L): 33” x 53”

Offered is an extremely rare thirty-five star antique flag.  Its stars are arranged in a medallion pattern. 

The majority of medallion pattern flags date to between 1861 and 1876.  Beginning in the 1890s, medallion patterns became less common, and linear arrangements became the norm.  Why this occurred is unclear, as flag makers had the freedom to place the stars however they liked until 1912, when President Taft issued Executive Order 1556 establishing the arrangement of the stars into rectilinear rows.       

Often medallion patterns include a single center star.  But this particular medallion includes three center stars.  This is as unusual as it is striking.  There are two rings of stars surrounding the center stars, and there a flanking star in each corner surrounding the rings.  The center stars and the inner ring of stars are of a smaller form, while the outer ring of stars and flanking stars are of a larger form.

This flag is made of wool and was printed by a process known as press dyeing. Shown in the images above is an early press dyeing patent, issued in 1849. Several other patents issued in the 19^th century for similar, improved processes. The invention described in the 1849 patent included using a dye vat in combination with a dyeing frame. The dyeing frame was made, so as to prevent the dye from penetrating portions of the flag that did not need any color (e.g., the stars and/or white stripes). Press dyeing never gained widespread use, as it tended to result in minor printing blemishes. For example, the stars of this flag exhibit bleeds of blue, and similarly the white stripes exhibit bleeds of red.

PREVIOUS OWNER, MARCEL ALPHONSE VITI
The hoist strip includes a rope with its first end forming the top loop and its second end forming the bottom loop. The hoist strip also includes the following overprint: M. A. VITI PHILADELPHIA U.S.A. 

M.A. Viti stands for Marcel Alphonse Viti, a previous owner of the flag.  Viti was a distinguished figure in the annals of Philadelphia's history, recognized for his multifaceted contributions to society, commerce, and culture. Born on March 18^th, 1870, in Philadelphia, Viti's influence was profound, with deep roots in both the American and Italian communities.

Viti studied the law at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1893. As an attorney, he garnered respect within the Pennsylvania bar and served as a legal advisor to the Italian Embassy in Washington D.C. His expertise in foreign treaties was acknowledged in 1921 when the U.S. Supreme Court cited one of his works as a significant guide for treaty interpretation.

Beyond his professional life, Viti was deeply involved in societal endeavors. He played an instrumental role as the first Governor of the Swedish Colonial Society (SCS) from 1909 to 1921. His commitment to cultural preservation and celebration was evident when he invited the King of Sweden to become a High Patron of the SCS.

Viti was also an avid dog lover and was affiliated with the American Kennel Club. His appreciation for Italian culture manifested in his culinary interests and his endeavors to introduce Italian agricultural practices to America.

The Viti family had a storied legacy in Philadelphia. They ventured into various trades, from importing cloth and show items to marbles and foodstuffs. Giuseppe Viti, a family member, was particularly notable for trading alabaster from Italy. The family's business acumen was evident when they expanded into importing Italian marble, a venture that flourished under Marcel and continued with his son, Alonzo M. Viti, and Francis A. Viti. Their ship, the "Eridon," facilitated their thriving trade with Tuscany.

In recognition of his son Alonzo, Marcel commissioned a statue for Philadelphia, which now stands at the west side of Marconi Plaza. One of his lasting contributions was persuading the Italian government to gift a replica of Italy's "Fountain of the Seahorses" to Philadelphia in 1926.

Marcel Viti's influence was not just limited to commerce and culture. He was a symbol of integration and mutual respect, bridging the Italian and American communities in Philadelphia. His efforts ensured that the legacy of the Swedes, Finns, and Italians was celebrated and remembered. Marcel Alphonse Viti passed away on May 6, 1952, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to be celebrated in Philadelphia's historical and cultural narratives.

THIRTY-FIVE STAR FLAGS GENERALLY
The thirty-five star flag represents the inclusion of West Virginia to the Union.  West Virginia was admitted on June 20th, 1863, and this flag became official on July 4th 1863.  The thirty-five star flag is the only flag that (1) represents a state admitted during the Civil War time period, and that also (2) became official during the Civil War.  Because it was official for a short time period—around 18 months—and because so many flags were produced in 1861 and 1862, thirty-five star flags are scarce and the most desirable of the Civil War counts. 

The thirty-five star flag was official until July 4th, 1865, the time at which the thirty-six star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Nevada in the Union. 

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, the cotton was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic. 

Frame: This flag is in an antique oak frame.  It is an outstanding and substantive frame.   

Condition Report: This flag includes stains near its fly end.  Most notably, this flag includes a gray vertical stain and yellow stains to the right thereof.  This flag was likely rolled up and kept in storage.  The fly end of the flag was on the outside of the roll, which caused the right side of the flag to become stained.  At the same time, the left side of the flag was protected inside of the roll.  These stains are age appropriate and typical of rolled flags.  Many of our clients prefer flags that show these signs of age.    

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1863-1865  
Number of Stars: 35  
Associated War: Civil War (1861-1865)
Associated State: West Virginia