Frame Size (H x L): 34” x 43”
Flag Size (H x L): 22.5” x 31.5”

Offered is a homemade Civil War exclusionary flag with twenty-two stars. Exclusionary flags purposely exclude a portion of the US states and their respective stars. Specifically, they include fewer stars than the official number thereof for the time period at issue. Despite President Lincoln’s pleas to avoid such a practice, there were Southern flags during the Civil War that excluded stars representing the Northern states (i.e., Northern exclusionary flags), and similarly there were Northern flags that excluded the stars representing the Southern states (i.e., Southern exclusionary flags). In the case of this “Northern flag,” the twenty-two stars represent the Northern states, and the Southern stars and states have been altogether ignored.

This flag was made between 1861 and 1865. But more specifically, this flag may have been made between May 20^th, 1861 (i.e., the secession of the eleventh Southern state) and July 4^th, 1861 (i.e., the addition of the thirty-third star on the flag). During this time, there were thirty-three stars on the official flag, twenty two of which represented Northern states, and eleven of which represented Confederate states. This would have been a logical—but short—window for one to make a twenty-two star exclusionary flag.

Alternatively, this flag may have made between July 4^th, 1863 (i.e., the addition of the thirty-fifth star on the flag) and April 9^th, 1865 (i.e., the end of the Civil War). During this time, there were thirty-five stars on the official flag, twenty two of which represented Northern States, and thirteen of which represented Confederate states. During this time, the Confederate states were the first eleven to secede; plus Missouri, which was recognized by the Confederacy beginning on November 28^th, 1861; plus Kentucky, which was recognized by the Confederacy beginning on December 10^th, 1861. This would have also been a logical window for one to make a twenty-two star exclusionary flag, and it is the more likely of the two discussed herein, given that this window is comparatively much longer than the other.

Regarding the construction of this flag, it is entirely handsewn. Its canton and stripes are made of merino wool. Its stars are made of cotton, and they cooperate so as to form of a medallion configuration. More specifically, eighteen of the stars form a ring, and the four other stars flank it. The stars are equal in size. Interestingly and oddly, there is a gap at the top of the ring—perhaps to add visual interest or perhaps, alternatively, to leave an open spot for a newly admitted state. For example, Nevada was admitted to the Union on October 31^st, 1864, and its star was officially added on July 4^th, 1865. Thus, the maker might have been anticipating Nevada’s statehood and/or waiting to add its star when officially appropriate to do so.

Its stars are single-appliquéd. To do this, the stars are sewn to just one side of the canton, the canton is cut-away from behind each one, and the canton is then hemmed. As such, the single piece of material used for each star can be seen on both sides of the flag. The single-appliqué method is difficult to execute, but it reduces the weight of the flag and conserves the amount of material necessary to make it. Single-appliquéd flags are rarer than double-appliquéd flags, folksier, and more attractive. In turn, all other things equal, single-appliquéd flags are preferred.

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 our X-Large Distressed Black with Silver Liner Frame.

Condition Report: There are minor tears and small holes throughout the surface. The tears and holes of significance have been masked with matching fabric. The inner portions of several stars are missing. But likewise, they have been masked with matching fabric. There are stains across the surface, the most significant of which is in the top red stripe, just to the right of the canton. Overall, this flag is attractive and age appropriate.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1861-1865
Number of Stars: 22
Associated War: Civil War (1861-1865)