Frame Size (H x L): 7” x 9.25”
Flag Size (H x L): 3” x 5”

Offered is a rare thirty-four star flag, printed on paper as an unused patriotic envelope cover, featuring an intricate medallion star configuration. This medallion style, popular during the 19th century, was a hallmark of flag-making in an era without federal regulations on star arrangements. This freedom allowed flag makers to experiment with creative and symbolic designs, with medallion configurations often representing unity and strength. Such designs were especially prominent during the Civil War, when the nation was grappling with its greatest internal division.

The stars on this envelope are arranged in a grand luminary style, with a central star formed by ten stars, encircled by a ring of twenty stars, and four additional stars placed symmetrically outside the ring. This intricate and artistic arrangement reflects the creativity of the era’s flag makers and highlights the significance of unity during a tumultuous time.

Adding to the envelope’s importance is a patriotic overprint of text across the stripes near the canton. Lines from The Star-Spangled Banner—“Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: 'In God is our trust'”—serve as a reminder of the Union's divine purpose and perseverance in the Civil War.

The overprint continues with the lines, “And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave / O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” These words evoke the image of the flag as a symbol of triumph and unity, even as the Union faced its darkest hours. The text served as both a call to action and a reassurance of eventual victory, inspiring confidence among soldiers and civilians alike. In the context of the Civil War, this imagery and message carried deep emotional resonance, strengthening the resolve of a nation fighting to preserve its identity and principles.

The thirty-four star flag symbolizes a pivotal moment in American history, marking the admission of Kansas as the 34th state to the Union on January 29th, 1861. This flag became official on July 4th, 1861, just months after the outbreak of the Civil War, which began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in April of that year. President Abraham Lincoln, whose presidency was defined by the conflict and his efforts to preserve the Union, served under the thirty-four star flag. Its design reflected the national ideal of unity, with stars arranged to represent all states, including those in rebellion. Flag makers, eager to celebrate Kansas’s statehood, began producing thirty-four star flags as early as January, long before the design was formally adopted. Many of these early flags flew over a nation on the brink of its bloodiest conflict, underscoring their association with the early years of the Civil War.

The thirty-four star flag remained official until July 4th, 1863, when the thirty-five star flag was introduced to commemorate the admission of West Virginia to the Union. This two-year period saw some of the most significant battles of the Civil War, including the pivotal Union victories at Antietam and Gettysburg. As a result, thirty-four star flags are closely tied to the early Civil War era and Lincoln’s initial wartime leadership. Alongside the thirty-five star flag, which represented a Union strengthened by the addition of West Virginia, these flags symbolize the Union’s resilience and the nation’s determination to remain united despite the conflict. Both flags are highly desirable among collectors and historians, cherished for their historic connections to the Civil War and the ideals they represent.

Conservation Process: This offering is mounted on cotton rag board.  It is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic. 

Frame: The frame is made of tiger maple, which showcases the characteristic striped grain pattern that lends the wood its unique name.

Condition Report: The flag is in overall good condition, particularly in view of its age. There is some fading evident, particularly in the red stripes, which is to be expected for a piece of this vintage. Minor staining is visible in certain areas, but the marks are not intrusive and do little to detract from the overall visual appeal and historical significance of the piece.
 
Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1861-1863 
Number of Stars: 34
Associated War: The Civil War (1861-1865) 
Associated State: Kansas