Frame Size (H x L): 19” x 23.25”
Flag Size (H x L): 8.5” x 12.75”

Offered is a thirty-one star featuring an Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson campaign overprint.  It is extraordinary for at least the following reasons: 

First, campaign flags are the most desirable of all flags—particularly those featuring legendary leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ulysses S. Grant.  The first campaign flags were made in 1840 and were associated with the William Henry Harrison campaign.  In 1890, a bill was introduced that attempted to prevent the desecration of the flag by printing, painting, or advertising for public display or private gain.  The bill failed.  In 1895, a similar bill was introduced, but likewise failed.  Finally, in 1905, a bill passed outlawing the use of marks and portraits on the flag, coat of arms, and other insignia of the United States.  With this background in mind, campaign flags are especially difficult to acquire, because they were only made between 1840 and 1905.  And in reality, most examples that surface are from a narrower time frame between 1860 and 1890. 

Lincoln flags are the crème de la crème of campaign flags.  For sure, there are rarer campaign flags, such as those related to the Polk campaign in 1844, the Scott campaign in 1852, and the Buchanan campaign in 1856, to name just a few examples.  But also for sure, no president—perhaps no person in American history, civil servant or otherwise—is as universally loved, adored, and admired as Lincoln.  In turn, his campaign flags are in a category all their own. 

Lincoln campaign flags were made in 1860 for the Lincoln and Hamlin ticket, and they were again made in 1864 for the Lincoln and Johnson ticket.  All other things equal, for at least two reasons, this latter category is rarer and more desirable than the former.  Lincoln campaign flags, like most campaign items made in 1864, are generally rarer than those made in 1860.  In 1864, the country was in the middle of the Civil War, and as such, campaigns and the use of banners, flags, and ribbons was tempered.  Additionally, this latter category features two presidents, instead of just one, as would be the case with most campaign flags.  Lincoln served from 1860 until 1865.  Following Lincoln’s assassination, Johnson assumed the presidency and served from 1865 until 1869.   

Second, this flag is particularly rare, even for a Lincoln campaign flag.  It is one of only two examples that we have encountered, and it is not documented in the Threads of History, written by Herbert Ridgeway Collins, former curator of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian Institution.  Escaping documentation therein was difficult, being that Collins corresponded with 1000’s of collectors, museums, and universities, in his attempt to catalog every political textile.  In total, he documented 1500 examples, dating from 1775 to 1979, yet this flag went under his radar, almost certainly as a function of its rarity.    

The other known example is part of the permanent collection of the Oneida County History Center in Utica, New York and has been since its donation thereto in 1965.  The Oneida County flag is still affixed to its original staff via a plurality of small nails.      

Though not identical, there is a third Lincoln & Johnson flag that is similar to the flag offered herein and the Oneida County flag.  The third example is part of the permanent collection of the Cornell University Library in Ithaca, New York and featured in the Threads of History as item 332.  The Cornell flag has a similar (but not identical) star pattern and a similar (but not identical) Lincoln & Johnson overprint. 

The Cornell flag also includes a particularly interesting Fenton & Alvord coattail overprint.  The Fenton overprint is a reference to Reuben E. Fenton, who campaigned to become the Governor of New York, in 1864, as part of the Republican Party (and in fact, Fenton founded the Republican Party in New York).  The Alvord overprint is a reference to Thomas G. Alvord, who campaigned to become the Lieutenant Governor, also as part of the Republican Party.  Fenton defeated the incumbent Governor Horatio Seymour, and Alvord defeated the incumbent Lieutenant Governor David R. Floyd-Jones.  Both victories were by slim margins.  Fenton served as the Governor from 1865-1868 and later served as a U.S. Senator from 1869-1875.  Alvord served as the Lieutenant Governor in 1865 and 1866.    

Third, the stars of this flag are in a nested pentagon configuration, an arrangement that is as rare as it is interesting.  It includes thirty-one stars.  The middle of the configuration includes a large center star.  It represents the state associated with the star count, California.  An inner pentagon surrounds the large center star and includes ten stars.  An outer pentagon surrounds the inner pentagon and includes fifteen stars.  Five flanking stars surround the outer pentagon, four of which are located in the corners of the canton, and one of which is located at the nine o’clock position.  In totality, the configuration also resembles a shield or perhaps a shooting comet. 

Pentagon configurations surface in both vertical and horizontal configurations, the flag offered herein being in this latter category.  With a vertical configuration, the canton is oriented in a traditional manner.  But with a horizontal configuration, the canton is oriented such that it appears to be rotated ninety degrees.  In such instances, the canton appears to be a too short and a bit too wide.  Printing vertical and horizontal configurations could be accomplished via a single block, simply by rotating it.  While it is possible that a maker might rotate the block accidentally, we believe that such rotations were purposeful, as it would be an efficient way in which to make visually interesting and different configurations. 

CONSTRUCTION
The flag offered herein is printed on coarse glazed cotton. 

The stripes and overprint were block stamped.  The canton is a dusty blue and the stripes are closer to orange than red.  The orange is a result of the use of either madder or cochineal to create the red dye.  Such dye was commonly used to make flags between 1850 and 1880.  The First Flag Act of 1777 specified the flag’s general colors, but it did not specify the exact shades thereof.  For this reason, some flags—like this one—have unusual colors, per the modern eye.  The exact shades were not officially specified until 1934.   

The Lincoln and Johnson overprints are in black across the stripes.  This means that the blue canton and red stripes were applied first, and then the Lincoln and Johnson overprints were added second and separately.  This is the most common technique and leaves open the possibility that a flag might have been made at one time and the overprint might have been made at a later time, such as when a customer makes a specific request or a politician surfaces as a campaign contender.  

PROVENANCE  
The flag offered herein was once part of the Rex Stark collection and was thereafter part of the Lori Ferber collection.  We do not know with certainty where it was originally made and waved.  However, there are at least two reasonable theories to consider.

Under the first theory, the flag offered herein may trace back to New York or thereabouts, the basis being that the Oneida County flag and the Cornell flag are both associated with New York.  The Oneida County History Center is in Utica, New York, and the Cornell University Library in Ithaca, New York. 

Under the second theory, the flag offered herein may trace back to Pennsylvania, the basis being that it is similar to flags made by H.C. Howard, a prolific campaign flag maker and resident of Philadelphia.  Howard’s flags are most easily traced to the election of 1860, the year in which he secured numerous copyrights protecting his designs (e.g., item 305 in the Threads of History stating, “Entered According to Act of Congress in the year 1860 by H.C. Howard in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the Easter District of Penna”).  In 1860, Howard made campaign flags for Lincoln and Hamlin, Douglas and Johnson, Bell and Everett, and Breckenridge and Lane (e.g., items 291-294, 304-305, 307, and 310 in the Threads of History). 

His flags are exotic in their appearance, in that they include unusual star configurations—starbursts, circular medallions, and pentagon medallions (i.e., like the flag herein).  The latter two categories thereof are so unusual that it seems that most parade flags exhibiting these configurations trace back to Howard directly or were inspired by him. 

Because his designs are so unique, it seems that he was producing flags for the election of 1856, if not earlier.  For example, campaign flags dating to 1856 for Fremont and Dayton and also for Buchanan and Breckenridge exhibit design features typically associated with Howard (e.g., items 259 and 265 in the Threads of History).  It also seems that he was likely producing flags for the election of 1864, if not later.  For example, campaign flags dating to 1864 for Lincoln and Johnson and also for McClellan and Pendleton exhibit design features typically associated with Howard (e.g., items 330-332 in the Threads of History).    

The flag offered herein closely resembles the flags that trace to Howard, such as the flags he made in 1860 and the flags he likely made in 1856 and 1864.  In turn, we believe Howard likely made this flag in Philadelphia.  We also believe that this flag may have been waved in New York, given its proximity to Philadelphia, and given that other similar flags have surfaced therein (but not elsewhere).

IMAGES OF H.C. HOWARD CAMPAIGN FLAGS
For additional background, five H.C. Howard campaign flags are featured in the images. 

The first example is a Lincoln and Hamlin campaign flag with thirty-one stars in a starburst configuration. 

The second example is a Bell and Everett campaign flag with thirty-three stars surrounding a Bell portrait.  The third example is a Lincoln and Hamlin campaign flag with thirty-three stars surrounding a Lincoln portrait. 

The fourth example is a campaign flag—or more precisely a copyright record of a campaign flag—associated with the Douglas and Johnson campaign.  It has thirty-one stars, despite a reference on the flag itself that it has thirty-three.  Its stars form a pentagon medallion configuration.  The configuration is vertically oriented.  The fifth example is a campaign flag—or again more precisely a copyright record of a campaign flag—associated with the Breckenridge and Lane campaign.  It has thirty-one stars, despite a reference on the flag itself that is has thirty-three.  Its stars form a pentagon medallion configuration.  The configuration is vertically oriented.     

STAR COUNT
Flags made for the 1864 campaign have surfaced in several different star counts, including with thirty stars through thirty-five stars.  In 1864, the official star count was thirty-five.  As such, this is the most common and logical count for an 1864 campaign flag.  For a portion of 1863, the official star count was thirty-four.  As such, this is also a logical count for an 1864 campaign flag, because such a flag may have been made a year earlier in 1863. 

The thirty, thirty-one, and thirty-three star flags may be explained via one of the following theories. 

First, these lower star counts may have been leftovers associated with the burst of parade flags produced at the beginning of the Civil War.  In a time of frugality—and 1864 would have certainly been such a time—a maker would sell whatever was available and a buyer would buy whatever was available.   

Second, these lower star counts may have been made with older printing blocks.  Cutting blocks was an arduous task.  Thus, makers may have used older blocks in later years, just to save the time and minimize the effort associated with making new blocks. 

Third, there was a general randomness with respect to star counts in 19th century flags, more so with flags dating to 1870 and earlier, and less so with flags dating to 1870 and later.  Neither makers nor buyers were particularly disciplined with respect to star counts, perhaps in part because the star count changed so frequently in the 19th century, and also perhaps in part because early flags were crude in every respect, the star count being no different.    

The flag offered herein has thirty-one stars, likely because of one of these three theories.  Under the first theory, this flag may have been made between 1850 and 1858, and then left in storage until it was overprinted in 1863 or 1864 and distributed.  Under the second and third theories, this flag may have been made in 1863 or 1864.  As viewed from these outer bounds, this flag would date to between 1850 and 1864.  In any event, the overprint would have been applied in 1863 or 1864 (i.e., after the flag was taken from storage or immediately after the flag was printed, depending on the circumstances).      

Thirty-one star flags are extremely rare, in part because they were official for only eight years between 1850 and 1858.  Flags predating 1861, the time at which the Civil War began, are the rarest and most desirable to collectors.  Prior thereto, Americans did not typically display flags for patriotic purposes.  Because this cultural turning point did not occur until 1861, flags made prior thereto account for only around 1-in-100 flags made in the 19th century as a whole. 

The thirty-one star flag represents California’s admission to the Union.  California was admitted on September 9th, 1850, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1851.  The thirty-one star flag was official until July 4th, 1858, the time at which the thirty-two star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Minnesota in the Union. 

ELECTION OF 1864
The election of 1864 was essentially a two-way race between the National Union Party candidates, Lincoln and Johnson, and the Democratic Party candidates, George B. McClellan and George H. Pendleton.

For several reasons, it initially seemed unlikely that Lincoln would be elected to a second term in 1864.  The North was growing frustrated in response to the South’s victories at the Battle of Mansfield, the Battle of Cold Harbor, the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads, the Battle of Kennesaw Mount, and the Battle of the Crater.  Likewise, the North was growing frustrated with Grant’s Overland Campaign.  In all instances, citizens saw nothing but death, little progress towards resolution, and no end in sight.  The Copperhead’s mantra of “peace at any price,” was making more and more sense to more and more people.  Those looking for an expeditious conclusion were growing increasingly frustrated with Lincoln.

To make matters worse for Lincoln, the sensitive interplay between preserving the Union and ending slavery was costing him politically, both with Northern Democrats and Radical Republicans.  Northern Democrats supported the war as a means to support the Union, but they did not support it as a means for litigating issues related to slavery, a concern that kicked into overdrive following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.  Radical Republicans, a faction of Lincoln’s own party, supported the Emancipation Proclamation, but thought the actual emancipation was moving too slowly and further thought that Lincoln’s proposals for readmitting states to the Union was too lenient.  In short, everyone was growing leery of Lincoln and his policies.

Despite these challenges, Lincoln also benefited from certain tailwinds, both militaristically and politically.  Militaristically speaking, the Union was victorious in the Battle of Atlanta, suggesting that the war may conclude sooner than originally thought.  It also suggested that the Union was firmly in control of its destiny.  In turn, there was a significant boost in Northern morale.    

Politically speaking, two factors played to Lincoln’s favor.  First, the Democrats were struggling with severe internal strains and political inconsistencies.  In turn, McClelland lacked a solid base.  Second, John C. Fremont withdrew as a candidate for the short-lived Radical Democracy Party.  Following Fremont’s withdrawal, his base shifted its votes over to Lincoln, instead of McClellan.  Thus, this move was to Lincoln’s political benefit.      

These tailwinds propelled Lincoln and Johnson to victory with 212 electoral votes and 55% of the popular vote, as compared to McClellan and Pendleton’s 21 electoral votes and 45% of the popular vote.  Lincoln’s short, but masterful, inaugural address was as follows:   

At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil-war. All dreaded it -- all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war -- seeking to dissole the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.

One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern half part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope -- fervently do we pray -- that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said f[our] three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether"

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -- to achieve and cherish a lasting peace among ourselves and with the world. to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with the world. all nations.

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 a birdseye maple frame, made of solid wood (i.e., not a veneer), and richly figured.  It is an outstanding frame and highly desirable in and of itself.    

Condition Report: There are three small nail holes and oxidation corresponding thereto.  The first hole is at the top left and extends past the edge.  The second hole is in the middle left, and the third hole is at the bottom left.  There is slight discoloration above the canton.  There is some sporadic discoloration across the rightmost third of the flag.  The discoloration in all respects is minor.  The colors are strong and beautiful.  Overall, the flag is in excellent condition and amongst the very best of the era, Lincoln related or otherwise.   

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings  
Date of Origin: 1864
Number of Stars: 31
Associated State: California