Frame Size (H x L): 25” x 19.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 5.5” x 8.5” and Affixed to a 15” Staff  

Offered is a thirty-six star Civil War era American flag printed on glazed cotton, and mounted to a small wooded staff.  The stars are arranged in a 6-6-6-6-6-6 pattern, and are consistently canted to the 1:00 position.  The stars are haphazardly shaped, in that some are skinny, some are starfish shaped, and some are incomplete.  Such folksy inconsistencies are the result of the stamp, which would have been carved so as to apply only the blue portions of the canton.  Accurately shaping the stars into the stamp was a difficult task, as is clearly illustrated in this example. 

This flag is nearly nine inches wide, and is attached to a fifteen inch staff, the result being a manageably sized and desirable statement piece.  It is attached in a reverse mount position (i.e., when the canton is positioned in the upper-right corner).  Current flags ethics state that the canton should always be placed on the upper-left, but such a requirement did not exist in the 19th century.  This flag, for example, was printed on the reverse side, and thus, it is mounted to showcase this.

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.  Ultimately, 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: The antique frame includes an outer walnut layer and a decorated inner gold layer. It dates to between 1860 and 1890.  

Condition Report: The most significant condition issue is the staining along the hoist edge of the flag, right where it wraps around the staff.  Many antique flags exhibit stains at this location, as a result of the wood interacting with the cotton of the flag.  In all other respects, this flag is in excellent condition.

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