Frame Size (H x L): 6.75” x 7.75”
Flag Size (H x L): 2.25” x 3.5”

Offered is a thirty-six star antique flag, printed on coarse cotton.  Its stars are arranged in a medallion pattern, in which there is a large star in the middle, two rings of stars surrounding the large star, and a pair of flanking stars in each corner surrounding the rings.  The inner ring includes ten stars and the outer ring includes seventeen stars.  Most medallion patterned flags date to between 1861 and 1876, though certainly plenty of examples surface that date to both before and after this range.  By 1890, medallion patterned flags became much less common and were replaced almost exclusively with linear patterned flags.

Thirty-six star flags represent the inclusion of Nevada to the Union, and such flags were waved in celebration of the conclusion of the Civil War.  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 flag is in an antique lemon gold frame.  It dates to approximately 1840 to 1860.

Condition Report: There are losses along the hoist edge, particularly in a few of the stars and in the white stripes under the canton.  We sometimes encounter flags in this manner, such that the red and blue portions remain entirely intact, while the white portions are missing.  We believe that the red and blue dyes provide some sort of protection to the cotton, while in contrast the undyed portions remain susceptible to damage (e.g., insect damage).  The losses have been masked with glazed cotton and are thus camouflaged.  There is minor staining across the flag.  Overall, this flag’s appearance is age appropriate and attractive, particularly in combination with the patina of the lemon gold frame. 

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