Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 13.5” x 16.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 5.75” x 9

Offered is a thirty-seven star antique flag printed on glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in a desirable medallion configuration, a design that held symbolic and aesthetic significance during the latter half of the 19th century. 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 of the canton surrounding the rings. Medallion pattern flags were frequently used in patriotic and wartime contexts, with the majority dating between 1861 and 1876, particularly during and shortly after the Civil War. Beginning in the 1890s, however, the medallion patterns became less common as linear star arrangements gained prevalence.

The large canted star in the middle is sometimes referred to as a "center star." A center star differs from a "great star," which describes a star formed by an arrangement of smaller stars. A center star is almost always positioned in the middle of the canton, symbolizing the newest state added to the Union. In the case of this thirty-seven star flag, the center star represents Nebraska, which was admitted to the Union on March 1st, 1867. The flag became official on July 4th of that year, as was customary for any change in the number of stars on the American flag.

This flag flew during a critical period in U.S. history, marking the final years of the tumultuous Reconstruction era and overlapping with the early stages of the Indian Wars in the American West. The Reconstruction period, following the Civil War, was a time of significant transformation in the U.S., particularly in the South, as efforts to rebuild and integrate newly freed African Americans into society were met with varying degrees of success and resistance. Presidents Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes all served under this flag, each facing unique challenges during their administrations. Grant, in particular, oversaw much of Reconstruction and dealt with issues surrounding civil rights and economic recovery.

The thirty-seven star flag is relatively scarce compared to the more common thirty-six and thirty-eight star flags, largely due to a dearth of major patriotic events between the end of the Civil War and the U.S. Centennial in 1876. Additionally, thirty-eight star flags, which anticipated Colorado's admission to the Union on August 1st, 1876, were often produced in advance and used in celebrations of the Centennial, even though the thirty-seven star flag was technically the official flag until July 4th, 1877.

It was not unusual for flag makers to produce anticipatory flags, and as a result, thirty-eight star flags, as well as historically symbolic thirteen star flags, were prominently flown during the Centennial celebrations. This overshadowed the thirty-seven star flag, contributing to its relative scarcity in today's market.

The flag thus represents a fascinating intersection of post-Civil War American history, symbolic of a country striving to reunite and expand while also dealing with significant internal challenges. It stands as a tribute to a nation in transition, solidifying its new identity and looking forward to its next stage of growth.

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: The antique frame is constructed from dark-stained wood, featuring a simple yet robust design with mitered corners. Its smooth surface highlights the natural grain of the wood.

Condition Report: The flag is in overall excellent condition for its age, with the colors remaining vibrant. There is minor wear and some staining visible along the edges, and slight fading in some areas, consistent with its historical use and age.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1867-1877
Number of Stars: 37
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Nebraska