Frame Size (H x L): 38” x 53”
Flag Size (H x L): 27” x 42”

Offered is an antique flag, printed on glazed cotton, with a “CLEVELAND & HENDRICKS” campaign overprint. Cleveland was the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party in 1884. His vice-presidential running mate was Thomas A. Hendricks. They ran against James G. Blaine, who was the presidential nominee for the Republican Party, and John A. Logan, who the vice-presidential nominee. Cleveland and Hendricks defeated Blaine and Logan. The Cleveland ticket won 219 electoral votes and 48.9% of the popular vote, while the Blaine ticket won only 182 electoral votes and 48.3% of the popular vote.

STAR COUNT
In 1884, the official star count was thirty-eight. However, despite the flag being offered herein having so clearly been associated with the 1884 Cleveland and Hendricks campaign, it has just thirty-six stars. This “lower than expected star count” is the result of one of these possibilities:

As a first possibility, this flag may have been made during the Civil War or shortly thereafter; placed into storage, unsold; and then overprinted for the campaign of 1884. Under this possibility, this flag may have been made between 1864 and 1867, and then left in storage until it was overprinted and distributed in 1884.

As a second possibility, this flag may have been made with an outdated printing block. Cutting printing blocks was an arduous task. Thus, makers sometimes used older, outdated blocks in later years, in order to save time and avoid the effort associated with making new ones.

As a third possibility, this flag may have been made without much thought at all going into choosing the star count. During the 19^th century, there was a general randomness with respect to star counts. Neither makers nor buyers were particularly disciplined with respect thereto, perhaps in part because the star count changed so frequently in the 19^th century, and also perhaps in part because early flags were crude in every respect, the star count being no different. Under the second and third possibilities, this flag would have been made in 1884.

Ultimately, as viewed from the outer bounds of this trio of possibilities, the flag itself would have a “not earlier than date” of 1864 and a “not later than date” of 1884. And regardless of the age of the underlying flag, the overprint would have been applied thereto in 1884—basically, (1) after Cleveland and Hendricks were chosen as nominees, and (2) after the flag was taken from storage or immediately after the flag was printed, depending on the circumstances.

CONSTRUCTION
The stripes of this flag are closer to orange than red, and they are striking in their appearance. This unusual color is common in flags dating to between 1850 and 1880, because during this time period, makers often used either madder or cochineal to create the red dye. Over time, such dyes would oxidize and turn orange.

This flag is 27” x 42”, making is relatively large in scale compared to most printed campaign flags of the era. In turn, it makes a bigger statement and is more desirable than most of its peers, in this important respect.

THIRTY-SIX STAR FLAGS GENERALLY
The thirty-six star flag represents the inclusion of Nevada to the Union. Nevada was admitted on October 31st, 1864, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1865. Nevada was originally part of the Utah Territory beginning in 1850, became its own territory in 1861, and became its own state in 1864.

The timing of Nevada's inclusion was politically and economically based. For political reasons, Nevada was admitted to the Union just eight days prior to President Lincoln's re-election bid against General George McClellan. Such timing was meant to benefit Lincoln and his fellow Republicans. For economic reasons, Nevada was included as part of the Union to help it pay off the country’s war debts. Economically, Nevada was particularly attractive at the time, because of its significant silver mining industry. Nevada expanded its borders in 1866 when the western Utah Territory was added to its eastern side, and further expanded in 1867 when a portion Pah-Ute County in the Arizona Territory was added to its southern side.

The thirty-six star flag was the official flag for the last six months of the Civil War, and was used by the military during that time. It was also the official flag during a portion of the Reconstruction era. The thirty-six star flag was official until July 4th, 1867, the time at which the thirty-seven star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Nebraska 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, 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 X-Large Distressed Black and Silver Frame.

Condition Report: As shown in the photos, this flag has light stains throughout its surface. The darkest stains run along the white stripe that is the second one from the bottom. These stains may be rust marks from nails attaching the flag to a staff (i.e., perhaps when the flag was rolled around the staff and nails). The bottom third of the canton has been professionally restored. Prior thereto, this portion of the canton had faded much more than the others portions thereof. The “CLEVELAND & HENDRICKS” overprint is faded, more so over the red stripes than over the white stripes. Despite these issues, this flag is age appropriate, attractive, and impressive. It is a statement maker and head turner.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1864-1884
Number of Stars: 36
Associated Wars: The Civil War (1861-1865) and the Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Nevada