Frame Size (H x L): 30.5” x 38.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 20” x 28”

Offered is an extremely rare thirty-five star antique flag.  Its stars are arranged in a medallion pattern.  This particular medallion includes a large star in the middle, two rings of stars surrounding the large star, and a flanking star in each corner surrounding the rings.  The majority of medallion pattern flags date to between 1861 and 1876.  Beginning in the 1890s, linear patterns began to replace medallion patterns, though the reasoning for this transition, at this time, is unclear—in large part because it was not until 1912 that President Taft issued Executive Order 1556, establishing an official star pattern of rectilinear rows.

The large canted star in the middle is referred to as the “center star.”  A center star is different than a great star, a term used to describe a star made up of smaller stars.  A center star is almost always positioned in the very middle of the canton.  The rest of the stars are then positioned around the center star, and form various different patterns.  The center star represents the newest state added to the Union (e.g., West Virginia in the case of this thirty-five star flag). 

The large center star includes two parts: a bold center star and a surrounding halo.  Haloed flags are extremely attractive and collectible.  The maker of this flag is unknown, but it is clear that the same company produced most, if not all, haloed flags, including flags with thirty, thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six, and forty-two stars.  In our experience, the thirty-five star variation is the rarest.   

THIRTY-FIVE STAR FLAGS GENERALLY
As noted above, 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 the rarest 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 official and began to represent the inclusion of Nevada in the Union. 

WEST-VIRGINIA STATEHOOD
Prior to the Civil War, what is now West Virginia was part of Virginia.  In 1861, when Virginia seceded from the Union, the western portion of the state did not agree with this decision and formed its own government, the Restored Government of Virginia. This government declared its loyalty to the Union and began the process of creating a new state.

In 1862, Congress passed a bill allowing the formation of a new state from the western counties of Virginia.  The people of the region held a convention and drafted a constitution for the proposed state, which was then approved by Congress.  Despite this, Virginia did not give its consent to the creation of the new state, leading to a legal dispute therebetween.

President Lincoln issued a proclamation recognizing the new state of West Virginia, and as mentioned above, it was admitted to the Union on June 20th, 1863.  West Virginia was the only state to be created during the Civil War.  The creation of West Virginia was controversial at the time, and its admission to the Union was opposed by some who argued that it was an unconstitutional maneuver.  

Ultimately, the state's creation was analyzed by the Supreme Court, in 1871, in the case of Virginia v. West Virginia.  Virginia argued that the creation of West Virginia was unconstitutional and that its land should be returned to Virginia.  The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, rejected Virginia's argument and upheld the creation of West Virginia.  The Court held that Congress had the authority under the Constitution to admit new states to the Union, and that the creation of West Virginia was consistent with that authority.  The Court also found that the Restored Government of Virginia was the legitimate government of the state and had the power to create a new state.  The case had significant implications for the legality of secession and the power of Congress to admit new states during times of political turmoil.  It also affirmed the legitimacy of the creation of West Virginia.

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, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in our Large Distressed Black and Gold Frame.

Condition Report: There is oxidation across the entirety of the flag.  But the most noticeable oxidation, however, is over the white stripes; below the canton, near the hoist edge; and to the right of the canton.  There are tears running along the hoist edge, but they have been stabilized by the mounting of the flag.  The bottom red stripe is faded, almost of the point of being white in the lower half thereof.  There is a printing error across a portion of the canton (i.e., starting at the hoist edge and ending at the large center star).  These issues are age appropriate and typical of haloed 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