Frame Size (H x L): 63.5” x 46”
Flag Size (H x L): 52.5” x 34.5”

Offered is a thirty-six star flag attributed to Dr. Raymond of Utica, New York and Oakland, California.  The white cotton hoist of this flag includes two brass grommets and a brown inked inscription, stating the following:

Dr. Raymond
626 13t St.
Oak.

Dr. Raymond’s full name was Dr. Jonas C. Raymond.  He was born in Troy, New York on April 21st, 1823, and he studied medicine at the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Raymond was admitted as a member of the International Homeopathic Congress 1848, and remained a member throughout his life.  After graduating from Medical College in 1851, he moved to Utica, New York.  In Utica, he was a practicing physician throughout the Civil War and trained contract surgeons for the Federal Army.  This flag is believed to have flown outside of Dr. Raymond’s office in Utica, following the conclusion of the War of the Rebellion.  In 1877, Dr. Raymond moved to Santa Barbara, California where he continued his practice, and he later moved to Oakland, California.  He died on March 3rd, 1901. 

Later, this flag resurfaced in the offerings of Lee A. Silva, an accomplished writer and dealer in antique weapons, particularly those of the Old West.  He lived an extraordinary life, as he was a cowboy, lifeguard, taxi driver, jail keeper, hunting guide, process server, insurance salesman, Porsche and Rolls Royce salesman, and salvage diver.  And as if that was not enough, he was also a Hollywood actor in daytime soap operas and in Rawhide.  In 1961, Mr. Silva sold this to a collector and Civil War historian, who lived in Massillon, Ohio.

The stars of this flag are arranged in a rectilinear 6-6-6-6-6-6 pattern.  They are sewn to both sides of the canton (i.e., double appliqued), using a lineal stitch.  The stripes and canton are made of wool bunting, and each individual piece is machine sewn into place. 

The canton of this flag is a beautiful and unique cornflower blue, and its stripes are a deep red.  The First Flag Act of 1777 specified the number of stripes and the colors of the flag, but did not specify the exact shades of each color, which is why some flags—like this one—have unusual colors.  The exact shades were not officially specified until 1934.     

This flag is small in size for a piece-and-sewn flag, dating to the Civil War.  This adds considerably to its appeal, as it can be easily displayed in a home or office.  It was not until the Civil War that small piece-and-sewn flags were made with any frequency at all, and not until the 1890s that they were made with regularity.  During most of the 19th century, flags made with piece-and-sewn construction had a width of at least eight feet, as they were typically used as signaling devices for the military or by sailors.  Even the flags that were used for decorative purposes usually had a width of six feet or more, and versions smaller than this were quite rare. 

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 silk organza, and both were hand sewn to cotton fabric.  The silk organza provides a strong layer of protection and a professional appearance.  The flag, the silk organza, and the cotton fabric were then 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 Frame. 

Condition Report: This flag exhibits some minor holes and tears, and there is some toning to the stripes and canton.  Its appearance is age appropriate and beautiful.  This flag and mounting will exceed the expectations of even the most demanding clients.     

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1864-1867  
Number of Stars: 36   
Associated War: Civil War (1861-1865)
Associated State: Nevada