Frame Size (H x L): 10.5” x 8”
Flag Size (H x L): 5.5” x 3”

Offered is a thirty-four star flag printed on paper with an overprint of “THE UNION AND THE CONSITUTION.”  Its stars are arranged in a gorgeous and desirable medallion pattern.  The majority of medallion pattern flags date to between 1861 and 1876.  By the 1890s, the medallion pattern was hardly ever used, as linear arrangements took its place.  Why this occurred is unclear, particularly given that flag makers had the freedom to place the stars however they liked until 1912, the time at which President Taft issued Executive Order 1556 establishing the arrangement of the stars into rectilinear rows.

This particular medallion includes an outer wreath surrounding an inner wreath, both of which are partially defined by a cross of stars.  One arm of the cross extends from the upper-left corner of the canton to the lower-right corner, and the other arm extends from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner.  The inclusion of a cross within a medallion is quite unusual and collectible.    

The thirty-four star flag represents the inclusion of Kansas to the Union.  Kansas was admitted on January 29th, 1861, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1861.  President Lincoln served, and the Civil War was fought, under this star count.  Many thirty-four star flags predate the first shots of the Civil War in 1861, as flag makers began producing them upon the admission of the Kansas, instead of the time at which the flag was officially admitted to the Union later in the same year.  The thirty-four star flag was official until July 4th 1863, the time at which the thirty-five star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of West Virginia in the Union.  Thirty-four and thirty-five star flags were the official flags for the majority of the Civil War, and for this reason, both are extremely desirable.   

Conservation Process: The flag is sandwiched between cotton fabric and Optium Museum Acrylic.  The cotton was 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. 

Frame: The antique frame includes an outer walnut layer and an inner gilt layer.  It dates to between 1860 and 1890    

Condition Report: This paper flag exhibits some staining and foxing.  There are a pair of small lateral tears along the top of the flag.  Still is present beautifully, particularly in combination with its antique frame.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1861-1863  
Number of Stars: 34
Associated War: The Civil War (1861-1865)   
Associated State: Kansas